BACKGROUNDTo investigate the expression of cancer-testis antigens(CTA) in human lung cancer.

METHODSReverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to investigate the expression of the MAGE-1, -3, SSX-1, -2, -4, -5 and NY-ESO-1 genes in 35 lung cancer samples and corresponding non-tumorous lung tissues. Three samples selected randomly from each CTA PCR product were sequenced.

RESULTSIn 35 tumor samples, the MAGE-1, -3, SSX-1, -2, -4, -5 and NY-ESO-1 mRNA expression rates were 34.3%(12/35), 57.1%(20/35), 17.1%(6/35), 17.1%(6/35), 20.0%(7/35), 25.7%(9/35) and 37.1%(13/35), respectively. The positive rate was 74.3%(26/35) for at least one of these genes expression, and 65.7%(23/35) for two or more genes coexpression. No non-tumorous lung tissue was positive for these genes. The DNA sequence confirmed that the RT-PCR products were truly CTA cDNA.

CONCLUSIONSThe cancer-testis antigens are potential targets for antigen-special immunotherapy of lung cancer. The coexpression pattern of these antigens provides a theoretic foundation for developing a polyvalent lung cancer vaccine.