New peptides of the polycomb group protein enhancer of zeste homolog 2 with the potential to induce cancer-reactive cytotoxic T lymphocytes in human leukocyte antigen-A2+ prostate cancer patients

Oncol Rep. 2007 Nov;18(5):1231-7.

Abstract

The polycomb group protein enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is linked to aggressive prostate cancer and could be an appropriate target in specific immunotherapy. In this study, we attempted to identify EZH2-derived peptides that have the potential to generate cancer-reactive cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A2+ prostate cancer patients. Twelve EZH2-derived peptides were prepared based on the HLA-A2 binding motif. These peptide candidates were screened first by their ability to be recognized by immunoglobulin G (IgG), and then by their ability to induce peptide-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). As a result, five EZH2 peptides recognized by IgG (EZH2 120-128, EZH2 165-174, EZH2 569-577, EZH2 665-674, and EZH2 699-708) were frequently detected in the plasma of prostate cancer patients. Among them, the EZH2 120-128 and EZH2 165-174 peptides effectively induced HLA-A2-restricted and cancer-reactive CTLs from prostate cancer patients. The cytotoxicity was mainly dependent on EZH2 peptide-specific and HLA-A2-restricted CD8+ T cells. These results indicate that these EZH2 120-128 and EZH2 165-174 peptides could be promising candidates in peptide-based immunotherapy for HLA-A2+ prostate cancer patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Cold Temperature
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / immunology*
  • Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Protein
  • HLA-A2 Antigen / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Peptide Fragments / immunology
  • Polycomb Repressive Complex 2
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / immunology*
  • Transcription Factors / immunology*

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • HLA-A2 Antigen
  • Peptide Fragments
  • Transcription Factors
  • EZH2 protein, human
  • Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Protein
  • Polycomb Repressive Complex 2