Genetic Engineering of T Cells to Target HERV-K, an Ancient Retrovirus on Melanoma.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

The human endogenous retrovirus (HERV-K) envelope (env) protein is a tumor-associated antigen (TAA) expressed on melanoma but not normal cells. This study was designed to engineer a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) on T-cell surface, such that they target tumors in advanced stages of melanoma.

Experimental design

Expression of HERV-K protein was analyzed in 220 melanoma samples (with various stages of disease) and 139 normal organ donor tissues using immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis. HERV-K env-specific CAR derived from mouse monoclonal antibody was introduced into T cells using the transposon-based Sleeping Beauty (SB) system. HERV-K env-specific CAR(+) T cells were expanded ex vivo on activating and propagating cells (AaPC) and characterized for CAR expression and

SUBMITTER: Krishnamurthy J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4506228 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature