Expression of cDNAs Using the RTS 100 E. coli HY Kit

摘要

Identification of tumor-specific or tumor-associated antigens which can be used in cancer diagnostics or for the development of vaccines is the focus of our research work. By serological screening of tumor cDNA libraries we obtain a list of candidate antigens. In order to explore their potential as cancer diagnostic markers and cancer vaccines we need to verify their recognition by antibodies from subjects afflicted with cancer. We also need to determine the degree of cancer specificity and immuno-genicity. This is a two-step process: First, we select candidate antigens based on gene expression data from different human tissues and tumors, and based on information on the possible relevance of the candidate genes in carcinogenesis. Second, we investigate the immuno-genicity of the candidate antigen by testing a large number of serum samples for the presence of antibodies against this antigen. Data from such experiments yield information on the frequency of the spontaneous immune responses against the antigen during cancer development and will identify strong common antigens. In order to identify candidate vaccines, we also have to study T-cell responses against the antigen. Several approaches can be used. Using T cells from human donors, we have investigated T-cell reactivity against re-combinant proteins.