Novel Retinoblastoma Binding Protein-Related Gene and Potential Use As Cancer Vaccine

Background: The central objective in the development of an effective immunotherapy is the identification of tumor antigens that can elicit antibody and cellular immune responses in humans. Human autologous or allogeneic antibodies from cancer patients are an alternative to the use of monoclonal antibodies. Though not as specific as monoclonal antibodies, serum antibodies are useful probes to identify tumor-associated antigen epitopes relevant to immune responses in cancer patients. Technology: Researchers at the University of California, Irvine, used human IgG antibodies to identify a novel retinoblastoma binding protein-related gene (RBP1L1) that encodes a nonameric antigen epitope. The epitope was recognized by IgG antibodies that were isolated from breast cancer patients. RBP-CT mRNA is expressed at high levels in various human carcinomas and in normal testis and expression is limited or absent in other normal tissues. Application: The properties of RBP-CT as a molecular marker may be used for the development of novel diagnostic tools for the detection of human malignancies. The identified antigenic peptide epitope may also serve as a potential target for a tumor vaccine.

Patents:
US 7,259,236

Type of Offer: Licensing



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