Aberrant expression of the hematopoietic-restricted minor histocompatibility antigen LRH-1 on solid tumors results in efficient cytotoxic T cell-mediated lysis

Cancer Immunol Immunother. 2009 Mar;58(3):429-39. doi: 10.1007/s00262-008-0569-3. Epub 2008 Aug 22.

Abstract

CD8(+) T cells recognizing minor histocompatibility antigens (MiHA) on solid tumor cells may mediate effective graft-versus-tumor (GVT) reactivity after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT). Previously, we identified LRH-1 as a hematopoietic-restricted MiHA encoded by the P2X5 gene. Here, we report that LRH-1 is aberrantly expressed on solid tumor cells. P2X5 mRNA expression is demonstrated in a significant portion of solid tumor cell lines, including renal cell carcinoma (RCC), melanoma, colorectal carcinoma, brain cancer and breast cancer. Importantly, P2X5 gene expression was also detected in a subset of primary solid tumor specimens derived from RCC, brain cancer and breast cancer patients. Furthermore, P2X5 expressing solid tumor cells can be effectively targeted by LRH-1-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes under inflammatory conditions. The expression of HLA-B7 and CD54 on tumor cells increases upon cytokine stimulation resulting in improved T cell activation as observed by higher levels of degranulation and enhanced tumor cell lysis. Overall, hematopoietic-restricted MiHA LRH-1 is aberrantly expressed on solid tumor cells and may be used as target in GVT-specific immunotherapy after SCT.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / physiology
  • Genotype
  • Hematopoietic System / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy / methods
  • Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 / biosynthesis
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence / methods
  • Minor Histocompatibility Antigens / metabolism*
  • Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Receptors, Purinergic P2 / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Purinergic P2X5
  • Stem Cell Transplantation
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism*
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Transcription Factors / physiology
  • Transplantation, Homologous

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Minor Histocompatibility Antigens
  • P2RX5 protein, human
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptors, Purinergic P2
  • Receptors, Purinergic P2X5
  • Transcription Factors
  • Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1