Method for the identification of tumor antigens with autoantibodies in serum.

摘要

The present invention relates to a method for identifying cellular protein antigens for which cancer patients, or patients at risk of cancer, can develop autoantibodies. The method of the invention involves the use of patient derived sera for the identification of cellular protein antigens using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis followed by Western Blot analysis. The identification of such protein antigens provides new markers that can be used for screening, for diagnosis and prognosis of the disease. The invention also provides for the use of protein antigens identified in immunoassays designed to detect the presence of serum antibodies to the specific protein designed to detect the presence of serum antibodies to specific protein antigens in sera from individuals who can harbor such antibodies. The invention further relates to the use of antigens identified as immunogenes for stimulation of an immune response in patients expressing such protein antigens. The invention demonstrates, by way of example, that elevated levels of circulating antibodies reactive against a tumor-specific antigen were identified in sera derived from a lung cancer patient. In addition, elevated levels of reactive circulating antibodies against several specific isoforms of {be} -tubulin were detected in the sera of patients with neuroblastoma.