Analysis of T-cell receptor alpha/beta variability in lymphocytes infiltrating a melanoma metastasis

Cancer Res. 1992 Sep 1;52(17):4649-54.

Abstract

Multiple experimental and clinical studies have suggested that the immune system may, to some extent, control the development of melanomas. The presence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes could reflect an in situ immune reaction directed to the malignant cells. The characterization of T-cell receptor (TCR) expressed by tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes is one way to precisely analyze these local T-cell responses. In this study, we have assessed the TCR alpha/beta variability in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes from a subcutaneous metastasis of a melanoma patient. Using the anchored-polymerase chain reaction 268 TCR alpha and 266 TCR beta chain transcripts have been cloned and sequenced. Their analysis shows that the T-cell infiltrate is extremely diverse, with no preferential TCR gene segment usage.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Base Sequence
  • Female
  • Gene Expression
  • Gene Rearrangement, alpha-Chain T-Cell Antigen Receptor
  • Gene Rearrangement, beta-Chain T-Cell Antigen Receptor
  • Humans
  • Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating / immunology*
  • Melanoma / immunology*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Oligodeoxyribonucleotides / chemistry
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / genetics*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*

Substances

  • Oligodeoxyribonucleotides
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta