T-cell Immunity Against Ki-ras Peptides in Cancer Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Shono Y, Tanimura H, Iwahashi M, Tsunoda T, Tani M, Tanaka H, Matsuda K, Yamaue H
Primary Institution: Wakayama Medical University
Hypothesis
Can T-cells specific for mutant Ki-ras peptides recognize the same peptide expressed in an individual's tumor tissues?
Conclusion
Specific T-cell immunity against Ki-ras products was present in cancer patients, but T-cells could not recognize the mutant ras peptide expressed in their own tumor tissues.
Supporting Evidence
- Ki-ras mutations were found in 64% of pancreatic cancer tissues and 23% of colorectal cancer tissues.
- 75% of pancreatic cancer patients had positive responses to Ki-ras peptides.
- 35% of colorectal cancer patients had positive responses to Ki-ras peptides.
- No immune response was observed in healthy volunteers.
Takeaway
The study looked at how well the immune system of cancer patients can recognize certain proteins that are changed in their tumors, but found that their immune cells often couldn't recognize the specific changes in their own tumors.
Methodology
The study involved analyzing T-cell responses to Ki-ras peptides in patients with pancreatic and colorectal cancer through lymphocyte proliferation and IFN-γ production assays.
Limitations
The study did not show that T-cells could recognize the mutated ras peptide expressed in the tumor cells from the same individuals.
Participant Demographics
14 patients with pancreatic cancer, 26 patients with colorectal cancer, and 6 healthy volunteers.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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