Abstract
A decreased expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I antigens is a common feature of many experimental and human tumors and can often be correlated with malignancy grade. In fact, reduction of class I antigens is associated in most tumors with an enhanced ability to elude immune surveillance. Loss of HLA-A,B,C antigens ranges from a decrease in the percentage of A,B,C-positive cells to selective loss of particular antigens and total loss of class I molecule expression. In man, this has been documented in melanomas, carcinomas, lymphomas, neuroblastoma and acute leukemias. The reduction in membrane antigens is generally associated with a parallel fall in immunoprecipitable intracellular proteins and the corresponding mRNAs in the absence of structural changes in the coding genes. The literature concerning the above mentioned topics is reviewed and discussed.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 85-93 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | La Ricerca in Clinica e in Laboratorio |
Volume | 20 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Apr 1990 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Cytotoxicity
- HLA class I antigens
- Human tumors
- Immune surveillance
- Major histocompatibility complex
- Tumor growth