TUMOR-ASSOCIATED ANTIGENS RECOGNIZED BY T CELLS AND THE USES OF THESE ANTIGENS

摘要

This invention relates to the field of tumor immunology, and specifically to a novel family of melanoma-specific antigens recognized by T cells. These antigens, like all T cell epitopes, are in the form of small peptides associated with major histocompatibility complex antigens on the cell surface. Methods and materials for purification and sequence determination of these peptides are presented. Also presented are applications for their use in cancer diagnostics and therapy.