Analysis of the functional WT1-specific T-cell repertoire in healthy donors reveals a discrepancy between CD4(+) and CD8(+) memory formation.

ABSTRACT: The Wilms' tumour-1 (WT1) protein is considered a prime target for cancer immunotherapy based on its presumptive immunogenicity and widespread expression across a variety of malignancies. However, little is known about the naturally occurring WT1-specific T-cell repertoire because self-derived antigens typically elicit low frequency responses that challenge the sensitivity limits of current detection techniques. In this study, we used highly efficient cell enrichment procedures based on CD137, CD154, and pHLA class I tetramer staining to conduct a detailed analysis of WT1-specific T cells from the peripheral blood. Remarkably, we detected WT1-specific CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cell populations in the vast majority of healthy individuals. Memory responses specific for WT1 were commonly present in

SUBMITTER: Schmied S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4515135 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature