Biomaterial Database

Immune escape mechanisms in malignant melanoma. 1999

R Geertsen, and G Hofbauer, and J Kamarashev, and F Y Yue, and R Dummer

Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland.

Malignant melanoma is an antigenic tumor recognized by specific lymphocytes. Several melanoma-associated antigens have been shown to cause tumor rejection in vitro. Escape from immunosurveillance by melanoma cells is the result of several mechanisms such as total loss or decreased expression of HLA antigens, alterations in the expression of tumor-associated antigens or deficiencies in the antigen-processing machinery. Additional important features include the influence of endogenous and exogenous cytokines such as interferons or interleukins and expression of adhesion molecules or co-stimulatory molecules. All these factor have to be considered for the development of new immunoregulatory treatment modalities against advanced melanoma.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008545	Melanoma	A malignant neoplasm derived from cells that are capable of forming melanin, which may occur in the skin of any part of the body, in the eye, or, rarely, in the mucous membranes of the genitalia, anus, oral cavity, or other sites. It occurs mostly in adults and may originate de novo or from a pigmented nevus or malignant lentigo. Melanomas frequently metastasize widely, and the regional lymph nodes, liver, lungs, and brain are likely to be involved. The incidence of malignant skin melanomas is rising rapidly in all parts of the world. (Stedman, 25th ed; from Rook et al., Textbook of Dermatology, 4th ed, p2445)	Malignant Melanoma,Malignant Melanomas,Melanoma, Malignant,Melanomas,Melanomas, Malignant
D009363	Neoplasm Proteins	Proteins whose abnormal expression (gain or loss) are associated with the development, growth, or progression of NEOPLASMS. Some neoplasm proteins are tumor antigens (ANTIGENS, NEOPLASM), i.e. they induce an immune reaction to their tumor. Many neoplasm proteins have been characterized and are used as tumor markers (BIOMARKERS, TUMOR) when they are detectable in cells and body fluids as monitors for the presence or growth of tumors. Abnormal expression of ONCOGENE PROTEINS is involved in neoplastic transformation, whereas the loss of expression of TUMOR SUPPRESSOR PROTEINS is involved with the loss of growth control and progression of the neoplasm.	Proteins, Neoplasm
D006680	HLA Antigens	Antigens determined by leukocyte loci found on chromosome 6, the major histocompatibility loci in humans. They are polypeptides or glycoproteins found on most nucleated cells and platelets, determine tissue types for transplantation, and are associated with certain diseases.	Human Leukocyte Antigen,Human Leukocyte Antigens,Leukocyte Antigens,HL-A Antigens,Antigen, Human Leukocyte,Antigens, HL-A,Antigens, HLA,Antigens, Human Leukocyte,Antigens, Leukocyte,HL A Antigens,Leukocyte Antigen, Human,Leukocyte Antigens, Human
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000951	Antigens, Neoplasm	Proteins, glycoprotein, or lipoprotein moieties on surfaces of tumor cells that are usually identified by monoclonal antibodies. Many of these are of either embryonic or viral origin.	Neoplasm Antigens,Tumor Antigen,Tumor Antigens,Antigen, Tumor,Antigens, Tumor
D015703	Antigens, CD	Differentiation antigens residing on mammalian leukocytes. CD stands for cluster of differentiation, which refers to groups of monoclonal antibodies that show similar reactivity with certain subpopulations of antigens of a particular lineage or differentiation stage. The subpopulations of antigens are also known by the same CD designation.	CD Antigen,Cluster of Differentiation Antigen,Cluster of Differentiation Marker,Differentiation Antigens, Leukocyte, Human,Leukocyte Differentiation Antigens, Human,Cluster of Differentiation Antigens,Cluster of Differentiation Markers,Antigen Cluster, Differentiation,Antigen, CD,CD Antigens,Differentiation Antigen Cluster,Differentiation Marker Cluster,Marker Cluster, Differentiation
D015972	Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic	Any of the processes by which nuclear, cytoplasmic, or intercellular factors influence the differential control of gene action in neoplastic tissue.	Neoplastic Gene Expression Regulation,Regulation of Gene Expression, Neoplastic,Regulation, Gene Expression, Neoplastic
D058950	Melanoma-Specific Antigens	Cellular antigens that are specific for MELANOMA cells.	Melanoma Antigens,Antigens, Melanoma,Antigens, Melanoma-Specific,Melanoma Specific Antigens