Gene expression and immunologic consequence of SPAN-Xb in myeloma and other hematologic malignancies

Z Wang, Y Zhang, H Liu, E Salati… - Blood, The Journal …, 2003 - ashpublications.org
Z Wang, Y Zhang, H Liu, E Salati, M Chiriva-Internati, SH Lim
Blood, The Journal of the American Society of Hematology, 2003ashpublications.org
Recent studies in tumor immunology indicate that malignant cells frequently express normal
testicular-specific proteins. Because these proteins show restricted normal tissue
distribution, they are usually highly immunogenic and may be potential targets for
immunotherapy. In the present study, we have used a pair of sequence-specific primers in
reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and sequence analysis to
demonstrate that the X-linked gene encoding SPAN-Xb is expressed in multiple myeloma …
Abstract
Recent studies in tumor immunology indicate that malignant cells frequently express normal testicular-specific proteins. Because these proteins show restricted normal tissue distribution, they are usually highly immunogenic and may be potential targets for immunotherapy. In the present study, we have used a pair of sequence-specific primers in reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and sequence analysis to demonstrate that the X-linked gene encoding SPAN-Xb is expressed in multiple myeloma and other hematologic malignancies such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). RT-PCR analysis demonstrates that SPAN-Xb is a cancer/testis antigen and shows a restricted normal tissue expression. It is not expressed in any normal tissue except testis. SPAN-Xb recombinant protein was produced and used in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot analysis. High-titer immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies, of IgG3 or IgG2 subclass, against SPAN-Xb were detectable in the sera of these patients. In contrast, SPAN-Xb mRNA or antibodies could not be detected in any of the healthy donors. There was a good correlation betweenSPAN-Xb gene expression and B-cell immune responses. These results suggest the in vivo immunogenicity of the SPAN-Xb protein. The presence of high-titer IgG responses suggests that the B-cell responses are likely to have been generated with CD4 T-cell cognitive help. Based on these data, we conclude that SPAN-Xb is a novel member of the family of cancer/testis antigens aberrantly expressed by, and capable of inducing, immune responses in patients with multiple myeloma and other hematologic malignancies.
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