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Expression of glioma-associated antigens in pediatric brain stem and non-brain stem gliomas

  • Lab Investigation-Human/Animal Tissue
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Abstract

We investigated the protein expression of three glioma-associated antigens (GAAs) in pediatric brain stem glioma (BSG) and non-brain stem glioma (NBSG) cases with a view to their possible use in immunotherapy. Expression of EphA2, IL-13Rα2 and Survivin were studied by immunohistochemistry on paraffin-embedded tissues using a series of 15 BSG cases and 12 NBSG cases. Thirteen of 15 BSGs and all 12 NBSGs expressed at least one of GAAs; and 7 BSGs and 9 NBSGs expressed at least two of these GAAs at higher levels than non-neoplastic brain. There was no association between the tumor grade and levels of GAA expression. Although many cases demonstrated diffuse expression of GAAs throughout specimens, partial or patchy expression was noted in a small number of cases, suggesting a need for targeting multiple GAAs in immunotherapy. These results suggest that EphA2, IL-13Ralpha2 and Survivin are suitable targets for developing vaccine strategies for pediatric glioma.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by P01 NS40923 [H.O and IFP], P01 CA100327 [H.O.], the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and James S. McDonnell Foundation [H.O.].

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Hideho Okada & Ian F. Pollack

  2. Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Hideho Okada

  3. Brain Tumor Program, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, G12.a Research Pavilion at the Hillman Cancer Center, 5117 Centre Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15213-1863, USA

    Hideho Okada, Keri L. Low, Gary Kohanbash, Heather A. McDonald, Ronald L. Hamilton & Ian F. Pollack

  4. Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Ronald L. Hamilton

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  1. Hideho Okada
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  2. Keri L. Low
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Correspondence to Hideho Okada.

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Okada, H., Low, K.L., Kohanbash, G. et al. Expression of glioma-associated antigens in pediatric brain stem and non-brain stem gliomas. J Neurooncol 88, 245–250 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11060-008-9566-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11060-008-9566-9

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