RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: We have generated HLA-A*2601-restricted CD8+ CTL clones against an autologous pancreatic cancer cell line. AIMS: To characterize the antigen expressed on the cancer cells. METHODOLOGY: We assessed cytotoxic activities and cytokine production of these CTL clones reacting against cancer cell lines that stably or transiently expressed the HLA-A*2601 gene. RESULTS: These CTL clones recognized 4 of 10 allogeneic pancreatic cancer cell lines and a gallbladder cancer cell line in the context of HLA-A*2601. However, the CTL clones did not recognize three hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines, two esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell lines, or a lung adenocarcinoma cell line. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, the CTL clones may recognize a shared, but not ubiquitously expressed, tumor antigen on pancreatic and gallbladder cancer cells.