Conclusions
This is the first molecular analysis of HLA class I and II ligands ex vivo from human lung cancer tissues which reveals known and novel tumor antigens able to elicit a CTL response.
Methods
We analyzed surgically resected lung cancer tissues with respect to HLA class I- and II-presented peptides and gene expression profiles, aiming at the identification of (novel) tumor antigens. In addition, we tested the ability of HLA ligands derived from such antigens to generate a CTL response in healthy donors.
Results
Among 170 HLA ligands characterized, we were able to identify several potential targets for specific CTL recognition and to generate CD8+ T cells which were specific for peptides derived from cyclin D1 or protein-kinase, DNA-activated, catalytic polypeptide and lysed tumor cells loaded with peptide. Conclusions: This is the first molecular analysis of HLA class I and II ligands ex vivo from human lung cancer tissues which reveals known and novel tumor antigens able to elicit a CTL response.