AUTOANTIBODIES FOR PROTEIN ANTIGENS AS MARKERS FOR CANCER OF GINGIVO-BUCCAL COMPLEX

摘要

The present invention relates to identification of a set of proteins, which elicit an autoantibody response in patients with cancer of gingivo-buccal complex. Systematic comparisons of serum samples from clinically normal individuals and from patients with cancer of gingivo-buccal complex has revealed significant differences in the presence of autoantibodies in sera against cellular antigens present in a cancer cell line. The autoantibody response to a single or combination of these protein antigens serves as a novel marker and can be utilized for screening, early detection,, prognosis, and potential target for therapy. The invention also provides for the use of the identified protein antigens in immunoassays designed to detect the presence of serum antibodies to the specific protein antigens in sera from individuals that harbor such antibodies. The invention also relates to the use of the identified antigens as immunogens for stimulation of an immune response in patients expressing such protein antigens. The invention is demonstrated by way of example in which elevated levels of circulating antibodies reactive against tumor specific antigens were identified in sera derived from patients with cancer of gingivo-buccal complex. The utility of identified antigens for early detection is assessed by analysis of sera from patients with leukoplakia of gingivo-buccal complex.