Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Tumor cells usually express antigens that can be recognized by autologous cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTL). A number of these antigens have now been characterized at the molecular level, and their mechanism of expression has been uncovered, thereby allowing us to define their tumor-specificity. On this basis, the tumor antigens can be classified into five major groups: tumor-specific shared antigens, differentiation antigens, antigens resulting from mutations, antigens overexpressed in tumors, and viral antigens. Current knowledge about these different tumor antigens will be reviewed here in the light of their use as targets for specific immunotherapy of cancer. Preliminary results of clinical trials based on some of these antigens will be discussed.

Type

Book

Publication Date

01/12/1999

Volume

48

Pages

17 - 29