| Theme |
Molecular Medicine of Gastrointestinal Disorders : from Basics to Applications |
| Title |
Epitope Peptide Vaccines Derived from Newly Identified Tumor Associated Antigens |
| Author |
Akira Kanamoto |
Department of Surgery and Bioengineering, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo |
| Author |
Hideaki Tahara |
Department of Surgery and Bioengineering, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo |
| [ Summary ] |
We have performed genome-wide explorations using cDNA microarray profiling and have successfully identified a new tumor-associated antigen (TAAs) which can induce potent cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) specific to tumor cells. In a previous study, we identified multiple new genes using gene expression profiling with a genome-wide cDNA microarray, containing 23,040 genes. We selected the RNF43 (Ring Finger Protein 43) as a promising candidate for TAA expressed by colon cancer, and also selected URLC1O (up-regulated lung cancer 10) as a promising candidate for TAA expressed by esophageal cancer. Furthermore, we identified epitope peptides associated with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2). A phase I clinical trial was performed to evaluate safety, immunological response and clinical response in advanced cancer patients. |