Defined antigens recognized by T lymphocytes on human tumors.

Several independent groups have developed methods aimed at identifying antigens that are expressed on human tumors and can be recognized by T lymphocytes. The positively identified antigens can be presently classified as follows: 1) antigens derived from genes whose functions are still unknown that are expressed in significant proportions of tumors of various histologic types but not expressed in most normal tissues, 2) differentiation antigens expressed in melanomas, 3) mucins, 4) viral antigens, and 5) products of abnormal genes expressed in tumors. These results are presented with explanations about the methodologies used to identify these antigens in the perspective of their use in immunotherapy.