A microarray method for identifying tumor antigens by screening a tumor cDNA expression library against cancer sera

Abstract

The immune system responds to tumor cells. The challenge has been how to effectively use these responses to treat or protect against cancer. Toward the goal of developing a cancer vaccine, we are pursuing methodologies for the discovery and testing of useful antigens. We present an array-based approach for discovering these B cell antigens by directly screening for specific host-sera reactivity to lysates from tumor-derived cDNA expression libraries. Several cancer-specific antigens were identified, and these are currently being validated as potential candidates.

Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines—Antigen Discovery and Adjuvant Delivery Platforms

“…Finally, positive clones are subcloned for isolation of that specific antigenic cDNA fragment and that cDNA fragment is sequenced to determine its nucleotide sequence [ 107 , 108 , 109 ]. One of the major drawbacks of SEREX is that the bacteria is incapable of expressing low abundant TAAs and their tumor-specific post-translational modification [ 110 , 111 ]. SEREX-defined antigens are usually weakly immunogenic due to the lack of mutations or structural aberrance [ 112 ].…”

“…SEREX-defined antigens are usually weakly immunogenic due to the lack of mutations or structural aberrance [ 112 ]. SEREX has also been criticized for its demanding protocol and poor reproducibility [ 111 ].…”