T cell receptor usage by cytotoxic T lymphocytes against autologous human melanoma
Leong, S.P.; Liliental, J.; Krams, S.M.; Zhou, Y.M.; Granberry, M.E.; Martinez, O.M.
Anticancer Research 16(6b): 3355-3361
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0250-7005 PMID: 9042192 Document Number: 465987
Background: T cell receptor (TCR) usage by tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) represents the host's response to autologous melanoma (AM). The goal of this study is to determine TCR usage by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) against AM. Materials and Methods: CTL were generated from three patients using lymphocytes from metastatic or tumor-draining lymph nodes by repeated in vitro sensitization (IVS). Total RNA was isolated from CTL and reverse-transcribed to cDNA. TCR usage was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using TCR primers. Results: Cytolytic activity was non-specific within the first 2-4 weeks following IVS and TCR repertoire in these cultures revealed random Va and VP gene usage. In contrast, by 6-10 weeks of culture, cytolysis was specifically directed against AM cells and such specific cytolysis was significantly correlated with TCR Val (P lt 0.001). Conclusion: TCR Val is associated with a common restricted melanoma antigen.