Abstract
We recently proposed a novel model of stimulation-responsive splicing for the selection of autoantigens and self-tumor antigens. Our model theorizes that the significantly higher rates of alternative splicing of autoantigen and self-tumor antigen transcripts that occur in response to stimuli could induce extra-thymic expression of untolerized antigen epitopes for elicitation of autoimmune and anti-tumor responses. To facilitate the identification of immunogenic isoforms of antigens, we have developed strategies using improved SEREX in conjunction with database-mining and immunogenic isoform mapping. Identification of immunogenic isoforms of autoantigens and self-tumor antigens is very important for the development of novel therapeutics and diagnostic tools for autoimmune diseases and tumors, such as: (1) autoantigen isoform microarrays for disease diagnosis and prognosis; (2) autoantigen isoform-specific tolerizing vaccines and splicing-redirection therapies, as well as (3) immunogenic antigen isoform-specific immunotherapy for tumors.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 121-133 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | Clinical Immunology |
Volume | 121 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Nov 2006 |
Keywords
- Alternative splicing
- Autoantigens
- Database mining
- SEREX cloning
- Stimulation-responsive splicing
- Tumor antigens