Tumor-associated antigens in human malignant melanoma.

Several studies have now clearly indicated the presence of tumor-associated and tumor-specific antigens in cells of human malignant melanoma. These antigens have been identified by means of several quite different techniques, including the use of antibodies detectable against the antigens, either by means of immunofluorescence, (1-5) cytotoxicity (4, 6, 7) or by extracting the antigen and obtaining lines of precipitation in gel or cellulose acetate membrane (8). More recent studies using techniques in cellular immunology have also demonstrated antigens against which lymphocytes (7, 9-13) or macrophages (14), of patients have been shown to react. In most of the series reasonable agreement exists in that the immune response against the melanoma cells relates to the natural history of the disease but there is still considerable controversy as to the exact relationships. The likelihood that the differences can be explained on the basis of the measurement of different antigens by the different systems obviously has to be considered. It is the purpose of this paper to present evidence for a variety of antigens in human malignant melanoma and to suggest from preliminary studies that more than one immune response is, therefore, possible and that this immune response may differ with the different antigens at different stages of the disease.