Isolated GAGE-7B and 8 proteins

Abstract

The invention relates to new members of the GAGE family referred to as GAGE-7B and GAGE-8. There are differences between these two molecules and the previously described members of the GAGE family on the genomic DNA, complementary DNA, and amino acid level.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule which codes for a tumor rejection antigen precursor. More particularly, the invention concerns genes, whose tumor rejection antigen precursor is processed, inter alia, into at least one tumor rejection antigen that is presented by MHC molecules. The genes in question are members of the GAGE family of genes.

BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART

[0002] The process by which the mammalian immune system recognizes and reacts to foreign or alien materials is a complex one. An important facet of the system is the T lymphocyte, or “T cell” response. This response requires that T cells recognize and interact with complexes of cell surface molecules, referred to as human leukocyte antigens (“HLA”), or major histocompatibility complexes (“MHCs”), and peptides. The peptides are derived from larger molecules which are processed by the cells which also present the HLA/MHC molecule. See in this regard Male et al., Advanced Immunology (J. P. Lipincott Company, 1987), especially chapters 6-10. The interaction of T cells and HLA/peptide complexes is restricted, requiring a T cell specific for a particular combination of an HLA molecule and a peptide. If a specific T cell is not present, there is no T cell response even if its partner complex is present. Similarly, there is no response if the specific complex is absent, but the T cell is present. This mechanism is involved in the immune system's response to foreign materials, in autoimmune pathologies, and in responses to cellular abnormalities. Much work has focused on the mechanisms by which proteins are processed into the HLA binding peptides. See, in this regard, Barinaga, Science 257: 880 (1992); Fremont et al., Science 257: 919 (1992); Matsumura et al., Science 257: 927 (1992); Latron et al., Science 257: 964 (1992). Also see Engelhard, Ann. Rev. Immunol. 12: 181-207 (1994).

[0003] The mechanism by which T cells recognize cellular abnormalities has also been implicated in cancer. For example, in PCT application PCT/US92/04354, filed May 22, 1992, published on Nov. 26, 1992, and incorporated by reference, a family of genes is disclosed, which are processed into peptides which, in turn, are expressed on cell surfaces, which can lead to lysis of the tumor cells by specific CTLs cytolytic T lymphocytes, or “CTLs” hereafter. The genes are said to code for “tumor rejection antigen precursors” or “TRAP” molecules, and the peptides derived therefrom are referred to as “tumor rejection antigens” or “TRAs”. See Traversari et al., Immunogenetics 35: 145 (1992); van der Bruggen et al., Science 254: 1643 (1991), for further information on this family of genes. Also, see U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,774.

[0004] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,405,940, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference, it is explained that the MAGE genes code for proteins which are processed to nonapeptides which are then presented by an HLA-A1 molecule. The reference teaches that given the known specificity of particular peptides for particular HLA molecules, one should expect a particular peptide to preferably bind to one HLA molecule. This is important, because different individuals possess different HLA phenotypes. As a result, while identification of a particular peptide as being a partner for a specific HLA molecule has diagnostic and therapeutic ramifications, these are only relevant for individuals with that particular HLA phenotype. There is a need for further work in the area, because cellular abnormalities are not restricted to one particular HLA phenotype, and targeted therapy requires some knowledge of the phenotype of the abnormal cells at issue.

[0005] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,629,166 filed incorporated by reference, the fact that the MAGE-1 expression product is processed to a second TRA is disclosed. This second TRA is presented by HLA-C clone 10 molecules. The disclosure shows that a given TRAP can yield a plurality of TRAs. Also, see U.S. Pat. No.5,554,506, incorporated by reference, teaching peptides which bind to HLA-A2.

[0006] U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,530,096 and 5,487,934 incorporated by reference herein teach that tyrosinase, a molecule which is produced by some normal cells (e.g., melanocytes), is processed in tumor cells to yield peptides presented by HLA-A2 molecules.

[0007] In U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/032,978, filed Mar. 18, 1993, and incorporated by reference in its entirety, a second TRA, not derived from tyrosinase is taught to be presented by HLA-A2 molecules. The TRA is derived from a TRAP, but is coded for by a non-MAGE gene. This disclosure shows that a particular HLA molecule may present TRAs derived from different sources.

[0008] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,571,711, filed Jun. 17, 1993 and incorporated by reference herein, an unrelated tumor rejection antigen precursor, the so-called “BAGE” precursor, is described. The BAGE precursor is not related to the MAGE family.

[0009] A further family of genes which are processed into tumor rejection antigens is taught by U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,610,013 and 5,648,226, as well as patent applications Ser. Nos. 08/531,662 and 08/602,039, filed on Sep. 21, 1995 and Feb. 15, 1996 respectively, both of which have been allowed, and U.S. patent applications Ser. Nos. 08/669,161 and 09/012,818, filed on Jun. 24, 1996 and Jan. 23, 1998, respectively. All of these applications are incorporated by reference. They reveal that there is a family of genes, the “GAGE” genes, which are related to each other. Six members of the GAGE family are described in these references.

[0010] It has now been found that there are at least two further members of the GAGE family, referred to hereafter as GAGE-7 and GAGE-8. These genes, as well as other aspects of the inventions, will be described in detail in the disclosure which follows.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

EXAMPLE 1

[0011] Melanoma cell line MZ2-MEL and cell lines derived therefrom are known. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,774, incorporated by reference. One subclone, i.e., MZ2-MEL 3.0 was obtained by limiting dilution, and is described in the '774 patent. A subline, i.e., MZ2-ME2.43 was derived by limiting dilution of MZ2-MEL 3.0 cells which had survived mutagen treatment. See Herin, et al, Int. J. Canc. 39:390-396 (1987); Van den Eynde, et al, Int J. Canc. 44:634-640 (1980). This subline had been used as a source of cDNA from which nucleic acid molecules encoding GAGE 1-6 were isolated. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,610,013; 5,648,226; application Ser. Nos. 08/531,662; 08/602,039; 08/669,661; and 09/012,818 cited supra, and Van den Eynde, et al, J. Exp. Med. 182:689-698 (1995), all of which are incorporated by reference.

[0012] The cDNA library from MZ2-MEL.43 was rescreened, using the same protocols as are set forth in the above referenced patent and 1995 paper. Two additional positive clones were identified. These molecules were named GAGE-7B and GAGE-8. They are discussed further, infra. The nucleotide sequences for cDNA for these molecules are set forth as SEQ ID NO: 1 (GAGE-8), and SEQ ID NOS: 2 and 3 (GAGE-7B).

EXAMPLE 2

[0013] These experiments describe the isolation of genomic DNA molecules encoding GAGE-7B.

[0014] Peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) were isolated, and grown, using standard methodologies. The genomic DNA was then isolated from the PBLS, partially digested with endonuclease Sau3A1, size fractionated using NaCl density gradient centrifugation, and then ligated into GEM-11 cloning vector, which had been digested with BamHI and EcoRI.

[0015] The phage library was screened, using a probe labeled with α32P dCTP, consisting of nucleotides 18-309 of cDNA for GAGE-1. Conditions for this Southern hybridization was standard, as described by Sambrook et al: Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual (Cold Spring Harbor Press, 1989), incorporated by reference. The washing conditions were 0.2×SSC, 0.1% SDS, at 65° C.

[0016] One of the positive clones was analyzed, and found to contain an insert corresponding to GAGE-7B. The sequence, set forth at SEQ ID NO: 3, contains 5 exons, including an open reading frame over exons 2 to 5, which encodes a 117 amino acid product.

[0017] The fourth intron of this sequence includes two regions which show strong homology with a region found only in GAGE-1. There is a 561 base pair segment positioned in between these regions at nucleotides 7109-7659, which corresponds to a truncated, L1 retroposon which belongs to the family of long interspersed repeated elements, or “LINE”; as described by Hutchinson, et al, in Berg, et al, eds, “Mobile DNA” (Am. Soc. Microbiol. 1989), incorporated by reference. The LINE element is flanked by a perfect 13 base pair target site duplication, and contains part of the reverse transcriptase coding region, the 3′-untranslated region, and the poly-A tail of the original retroposon.

EXAMPLE 3

[0018] A cosmid library was prepared using genomic DNA from renal cell carcinoma cell line LE9211-RCC, following the methodologies described by Lurquin, et al, Cell 58: 293-303 (1989), and screened using the Southern hybridization method set forth in example 2, using the same probe.

[0019] A cosmid was identified which contained genomic DNA for GAGE-8. Its structure was the same as that of GAGE-7B, including the LINE insertion discussed supra.

EXAMPLE 4

[0020] These experiments describe how the chromosomal location of the GAGE genes was determined. Southern blot analysis was carried out on a panel of hamster or mouse×human somatic cell hybrids, obtained from the Human Genetic Mutant Cell Repository. The DNA from these somatic cell hybrids was isolated, digested with EcoRI, and used to prepare Southern blots, in accordance with Arden, at el, Cytogenet. Cell Genet. 53:161-165 (1990), incorporated by reference. The GAGE-1 probe, labeled with α32P dCTP, as described supra, was used. A single, EcoRI band of 4.3 kilobases was detected, indicating that the EcoRI sites defining the fragment are conserved in all GAGE genes. The only hybridization signal came from a hybrid containing the human X chromosome. No signal came from hybrids containing human autosomes, or the Y chromosome.

[0021] Experiments were than carried out to refine the localization of the GAGE locus. Somatic cell hybrids containing only a portion of the X chromosome were analyzed via Southern hybridization, as described supra, as well as by PCR.

[0022] For PCR, primers corresponding to nucleotides 453-470 of GAGE-1 cDNA (sense), and nucleotides 613-630 of GAGE-1 cDNA (antisense), were used. These should amplify a 0.7 kb fragment of genomic DNA, and a fragment consisting of nucleotides 453-630 of GAGE-1 cDNA, as set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 5,610,013 at SEQ ID NO: 1. Thirty five cycles of amplification were carried out, each cycle consisting of denaturation at 94° C. (1 minute), annealing at 50° C. (1 minute), and extension at 72° C. for 1 minute. The PCR was preceded by 3 minutes of incubation at 94° C., and was followed by a soak at 72° C. for 10 minutes. Amplified products were electrophoresed on 2% agarose gels, and were visualized by ethidium bromide staining. The analysis revealed that the GAGE genes are located in chromosomal region Xp21-Xq13.

EXAMPLE 5

[0023] A further set of experiments were carried out to find the location of the GAGE locus, using fluorescence in situ hybridization, or “FISH”. To accomplish this, PBLs were stimulated with PHA, and cultured for 72 hours. Banded chromosomes were obtained by inoculating some cultures with 5-bromodeoxyuridine, in accordance with Lemieux, et al, Cytogenet. Cell Genet 59:311-312 (1992). Cytogenetic harvests, and slide preparations were prepared using standard methods. Slides were stored at −80° C. until used.

[0024] FISH hybridization to metaphase chromosomes was carried out following Pinkel, et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci USA 83:2934-2938 (1986). Briefly, slides were denatured for 2 minutes in 70% formamide/2×SSC (pH 7.0), and then dehydrated in ice cold ethanol. A cosmid which contained gDNA for GAGE-7B was used as a probe. The probe (100 ng) was labeled with digoxigenin, preannealed with 100 mg of COT-1 DNA, dissolved in buffer (50% formamide, 2×SSC), denatured at 75° C. for 5 minutes, and then applied to slides. The probes were hybridized to the material on the slides, overnight at 37° C., in a humid chamber.

[0025] After the incubation, the slides were washed using standard procedures, and then analyzed using standard FITC-digoxigenin detection methods, together with an amplification protocol for dual color FISH. The slides were counterstained by mounting in an antifade solution containing 1 mg/ml phenylenediamine and 0.3 mg/ml propidium iodide. Spreads were examined, and photographed. A signal was deemed to be specific only if detected on each chromatid of a single chromosome. Chromosome identification was performed via simultaneous hybridization with the satellite repeat probe, or by R-banding, using 5-bromodeoxyuridine in accordance with Lemieux, et at, supra.

[0026] These experiments indicated that the GAGE locus is in the p11.2-p11.4 region of the X chromosome.

EXAMPLE 6

[0027] These experiments were designed to determine expression of GAGE genes in various cell and tumor types. For each type of cell assayed, total RNA was extracted, using standard guanidium-isothiocyanate procedures, as taught by e.g., Davis, et al. in Basic Methods In Molecular Biology, Elsevier Science Publishing Co., N.Y. (1986), pp. 130-135. Reverse transcription was carried out on 2 ug samples of the total RNA, using 2 mM of Oligo(dT)15 primer, in a reaction volume of 20 ul. Portions of the resulting cDNA ({fraction (1/20)} of the product), were used in the PCR amplification. In order to amplify GAGE-1, 2, and 8, the primers used were:

(sense, SEQ ID NO: 4)
5′-GACCAAGACG CTACGTAG-3′
and
(antisense, SEQ ID NO: 5)
5′-CCATCAGGAC CATCTTCA-3′

[0028] For GAGE-3, 4, 5, 6 & 7B, the primers were:

[0029] 5′- GACCAAGGCG CTATGTAC-3′

[0030] (sense, SEQ ID NO: 6)

[0031] and SEQ ID NO: 5

[0032] For all amplifications, the denaturation step was 94° C. for 5 minutes, then 30 cycles of amplification (1 minute at 94° C., 2 minutes at 58° C., 2 minutes at 72° C.), then a f extension step of 72° C. for 15 minutes. The products were analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis, with RNA integrity being checked by reverse transcription and amplification of β-actin mRNA.

[0033] When these primers are used, SEQ ID NOS: 4 and 5 produce a fragment consisting of nucleotides 107-350 of SEQ ID NO: 3. SEQ ID NOS: 5 and 6 produce a fragment consisting of nucleotides 92-335 of SEQ ID NO: 1.

[0034] Table 1, which follows, shows the results. The highest fraction of positive tumors were found in melanoma, esophageal and lung carcinomas. GAGE 1, 2 and 8 was found in prostate carcinomas, breast carcinomas, and sarcomas. GAGE 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7B were not found in these tumors. No expression of GAGE was found in colorectal and renal carcinoma.

TABLE 1
Expression of the GAGE genes in tumors
	Number of samples
	ALL GAGE
	3-6
			1,2,8	+7B	None	% of samples
	Expression of GAGE-1,2,8*	+	+	−	−	expressing GAGE-1,2,7
Tumor	tested	Expression of GAGE-3,4,5,6,7B	+	−	+	−	and/or GAGE-3,4,5,6,8
Cutaneous melanoma (primaries)	79		22	1	10	46	42%
Cutaneous melanoma (metastases)	211		79	8	26	98	54%
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma	18		7	1	1	9	50%
Esophageal adenocarcinoma	5		1	0	0	4	20
Lung squamous cell carcinoma	83		28	4	7	44	47
Lung adenocarcinoma	42		13	2	6	21	50
Head & neck carcinoma	92		21	3	5	63	31
Bladder carcinoma (superficial)	35		1	0	0	34	3
Bladder carcinoma (infiltrating)	40		8	2	6	24	40
Leukemia	76		0	0	3	73	4

EXAMPLE 7

[0035] In order to determine if expression of GAGE genes could be induced by demethylation, samples of cultured tumor and normal cells were incubated for 72 hours in culture medium containing 1 uM 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine. SEQ ID NOS: 4 and 5, supra, were used in the amplification protocol. GAGE 1, 2, and 8 were found to have been induced in sarcoma and melanoma cell lines. All GAGE genes were found to be expressed following treatment of PHA stimulated PBLs.

[0036] The foregoing examples set forth the invention, which includes isolated nucleic acid molecules which encode proteins GAGE 7B and GAGE 8. These may be, e.g., those set forth at SEQ ID NO: 1, 2 or 3, as well as all nucleic acid molecules which encode the proteins encoded by theses sequences. When GAGE-7B and GAGE-8 are compared to the other members of the GAGE family, cDNA for GAGE-8 is found to be identical to cDNA for GAGE-2 but for a single nucleotide, at nucleotide 268 (“C” in GAGE-2, versus “G” in GAGE-8). This leads to a change in the amino acid at position 74 (His in GAGE-2, Asp in GAGE-8). GAGE-7B is identical to GAGE-4, but for two nucleotides at positions 268 and 548. This first difference (“G” in GAGE-4, “C” in GAGE-8), results in a change at amino acid 74 as well (Asp in GAGE-4, His in GAGE-7B).

[0037] There are further differences in the organization of the genomic DNA, as explained supra. Specifically, GAGE-8 and GAGE-7B differ from GAGEs 2-6 in that they contain two 2 0 inserts in the fourth intron. These inserts are found in GAGE-1 genomic DNA; however, GAGE-8 and 7B also contain a 561 base pair insert positioned in between these two inserts, which is not found in the genomic DNA of GAGE-1.

[0038] In addition to the nucleic acid molecules discussed supra, other features of the invention include expression vectors which include the nucleic acid molecules of the invention, operably linked to a promoter. Both cDNA and genomic DNA can be used, in expression vectors of various types. These, as well as the isolated nucleic acid molecules of the invention, can be used to make recombinant eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, which contain either the isolated nucleic acid molecules or the expression vectors of the invention. The choice of which nucleic acid molecule or which expression vector to use will be up to the skilled artisan, depending upon the application of interest.

[0039] The nucleic acid molecules of the invention do include segments which correspond to peptides presented by HLA-Cw6 and HLA-A29, i.e., YRPRPRRY (GAGE 1, 2 and 8), and YYWPRPRRY (GAGE 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7B). Hence, a further aspect of the invention are recombinant cells which, in addition to including molecules which encode GAGE-7B and GAGE-8, also include one or more nucleic acid molecules which encode MHC molecules, such as HLA-Cw6 and/or HLA-A29. It is to be understood that additional genes which are processed to presented antigens may be used as well the GAGE 7B and 8 genes.

[0040] Also a feature of the invention are the proteins encoded by the nucleic acid molecules of the invention. As explained, supra, these proteins are similar, but not identical to other GAGE proteins. Also, part of the invention are fragments of the proteins of the invention. In particular, these fragments compare at least the first 74 amino acids encoded by the SEQ ID NO: 1, 2 or 3, and no more than the entire molecule encoded by these sequences. These proteins are set forth at SEQ ID NOS.: 6 and 7. Also a part of the invention are those peptides, derived form GAGE 7B and/or GAGE 8, which complex to MHC molecules, thereby identify a particular molecule, and also in at least some cases, facilitating the proliferation of cytolytic T cells which recognize complexes of the peptide and the MHC molecule to which it binds. One or more of these peptides can be combined in compositions, which may also include one or more adjuvants, such as GM-CSF, an interleukin, an emulsifying oil such as Vitamin E, a saponin, etc.

[0041] “Minigenes” can also be produced which are nucleic acid molecules that consent of nucleotides that encode these peptides. Constructs can also be prepared, such as expression vectors, which encode one or more of these peptides.

[0042] An exemplary list of such peptides, with the partner MHC molecule, follows:

GAGE 7B
Position	Sequence	HLA Molecule
43-51	EGEPATQRQ	A1
9-17	YYWPRPRRY	A24
16-24	RYVQPPEMI	A24
24-32	IGPMRPEQF	A24
11-19	WPRPRRYVQ	B7
19-27	QPPEMIGPM	B7
11-19	WPRPRRYVQ	B8
1-9	MSWRGRSTY	B3501
19-27	QPPEMIGPM	B3501
28-36	RPEQFSDEV	B3501
1-9	MSWRGRSTY	B4403
33-41	DEVEPATPE	B4403
56-64	QEGEDEGAS	B4403
108-116	EEGEKQSQC	B4403
16-24	RYVQPPEMI	B5201
19-27	QPPEMIGPM	B5201
24-32	IGPMRPEQF	B5201
28-36	RPEQFSDEV	B5201
97-105	MDPPNPEEV	B5201
19-27	QPPEMIGPM	Cw0602
28-36	RPEQFSDEV	Cw0602

[0043]

GAGE 8
Position	Sequence	HLA Molecule
16-24	YVEPPEMIG	A1
42-50	EGEPATQRQ	A1
8-16	TYRPRPRRY	A24
15-23	RYVEPPEMI	A24
23-31	IGPMRPEQF	A24
10-18	RPRPRRYVE	B7
18-26	EPPEMIGPM	B7
1-9	MSWRGRSTY	B3501
18-26	EPPEMIGPM	B3501
27-35	RPEQFSDEV	B3501
1-9	MSWRGRSTY	B4403
33-41	DEVEPATPE	B4403
56-64	QEGEDEGAS	B4403
108-116	EEGEKQSQC	B4403
18-26	EPPEMIGPM	Cw0602
27-35	RPEQFSDEV	Cw0602

[0044] Other features of the invention will be clear to the skilled artisan, and will not be set forth here.

[0045] The terms and expressions which have been employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, it being recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention.

GAGE-B cDNA
1   ctgtgaggca gtgctgtgtg gttcctgccg tccggactct ttttcctcta ctgagattca
61  tctgtgtgaa atatgagttg gcgaggaaga tcgacctatc ggcctagacc aagacgctac
121 gtagagcctc ctgaaatgat tgggcctatg cggcccgagc agttcagtga tgaagtggaa
181 ccagcaacac ctgaagaagg ggaaccagca actcaacgtc aggatcctgc agctgctcag
241 gagggagagg atgagggagc atctgcaggt caagggccga agcctgaagc tgatagccag
301 gaacagggtc acccacagac tgggtgtgag tgtgaagatg gtcctgatgg gcaggagatg
361 gacccgccaa atccagagga ggtgaaaacg cctgaagaag gtgaaaagca atcacagtgt
421 taaaagaaga cacgttgaaa tgatgcaggc tgctcctatg ttggaaattt gttcattaaa
481 attctcccaa taaagcttta cagccttctg caaagaaaaa aaaaaaaaa

[0046]

GAGE 7B cDNA
1   tggttcctgc cgtccggact ctttttcctc tactgagatt catctgtgtg aaatatgagt
61  tggcgaggaa gatcgaccta ttattggcct agaccaaggc gctatgtaca gcctcctgaa
121 atgattgggc ctatgcggcc cgagcagttc agtgatgaag tggaaccagc aacacctgaa
181 gaaggggaac cagcaactca acgtcaggat cctgcagctg ctcaggaggg agaggatgag
241 ggagcatctg caggtcaagg gccgaagcct gaagctcata gccaggaaca gggtcaccca
301 cagactgggt gtgagtgtga agatggtcct gatgggcagg agatggaccc gccaaatcca
361 gaggaggtga aaacgcctga agaaggtgaa aagcaatcac agtgttaaaa gaaggcacgt
421 tgaaatgatg caggctgctc ctatgttgga aatttgttca ttaaaattct cccaataaag
481 ctttacagcc ttctgcaaag aaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaa aaaaaa

[0047]

GAGE7B gDNA
1    gagctcgctg cagccttgac ctcctgggct caagcgctcc tcccacctca gcctcctgag
61   tagctgtgsg tataggtaca tgccaccatg cncagctaat ttttcgatgg tttttttgtt
121  tgttttttgt agtgatgaga ttttctgatg ttgcttaggc tggtctcgaa gtcctgagct
181  caggtgatct ggccagctca gcctcccaaa atactaggat tacaggcgtg anttggcctg
241  gtctggtttt tcttatatag gggtcttatc tatataaaga ctaaagttaa tctgtgcctt
301  tgtgcgggtg ggctaagagc atgatgactt ttatcattct attgatttaa agaaaactgt
361  ccttgactta ccagtgtgta agtccatgaa agcataattc tgttgaaagc atatattgtt
421  aatgggtgtt gggaaccgtg cactttccgc tgctgtggga gcatgtcctt ggaggtacct
481  ttcatctgtt ttctcaactc caaacatctt aggaccatgg gttgtgactg gtaggactat
541  gtatcttgct gctttcaaga cggagtatat tttcacgtgg tgtcactctg gctgtcctgt
601  ttccctaata ctgtcacttc accctctgcg attctgatgc tacaaatgat agatatcgtt
661  ttagcatttt cttacgggtc ctagcgattc tattcatttt tctttcagtc tctttctctg
721  acttgttcac attgaacaat ttccttttgg gataggttgc tatttctgtt ttcgcaggtg
781  gtttacctgt cttcccagcc agtcacagtg gtccttgtcc ccatggtggg tccggggcaa
841  gagagggccc tgggttgggg gtggggttca gttgaagatg gggtgagttt tgaggggagc
901  actacttgag tcccagaggc ataggaaaca gcagagggag gtgggattcc cttatcctca
961  atgaggatgg gcatggaggg tttggggcgt ggcgctggga acggcagccc tccccagccc
1021 acagccgcgc atgctccctg ntcccgcctc agtgcgcatg ttcactgggc gtattctgcc
1081 cggccccttc gcccacgtga agaacgccag ggagctgtga ggcagtgctg tgtggttcct
1141 gccgtccgga ctctttttcc tctactgaga ttcatctggt aggtgtgcag gccagtcatc
1201 ccgggggctg aagtgtgagt gagggtggag agggcctcgg gtgggtcagg cgggtccgtt
1261 cctggtctgt ggcctccgag ggagaagggc cacgaggtta cgtacctcct tacccttcac
1321 aggctgcgag gccaccggcg gcttcgtggt cgtgaagggg cctggacggg gaggaaggtg
1381 ggccgtggag gggaggctgt caggggctca ggtgaagacg gggtgagtgc tgttgggggg
1441 atggaagtcc cgaggtgccg ggatccccga cgacacaggg cagattccct gaatgggccc
1501 ggcgggggcg aggcgggcgg tgaagaaggg gcctggcacc tgggaaggct gcggcctggc
1561 gagcgccccc cccagcggtg tggagtgcgg agcgcccgag tgagaagcac tgcaaggtct
1621 cacctccgcc atggaaggtc cgaaaacagt gggaaggagt gggcgaggca gtgcggtcca
1681 accaaacttg ttgtgagggg gggtgaatgg ctctaggaag tgggagtgtg cccaaagcag
1741 caatcacgag aattgtgatt cactagggtt ttcgtgggga gtgcacttgt gaaactaaac
1801 ctcatcagaa atgacctctg tctgcggggc gcagtggcgc tcgcctacgt agtcccagtt
1861 actggggaca ctgaggtggg aggatccctt gagcgggagg tcgaggctgc agtgagctgt
1921 gatcacgccg ctgcactcca gcctgagcaa cacagcgata ccgcgtgtcc aaaagaaatt
1981 tagaaaaaaa tgtcctctgc cttttgccac acgccttaag atgattgctc tgccagcctg
2041 gccagcagaa gtggctttgt aggcactcag acagcgtaca cacgtatgct taactctggg
2101 acttattttg agagtatttt caaaagtaaa acggaaagtt aacatttatc catggaagtg
2161 atcgaatata gcagccctgt ggagcgcacg ttcccaatca cggttgtctg ttttcagtgt
2221 gaaatatgag ttggcgagga agatcgacct attattggcc tagaccaagg cgctatgtac
2231 agcctcctga aatgattggg cctatgcggg tgagtgctta aacgttaatt cgatgttttc
2341 tattagtaga aattaatttt tgtgatagcg tcgttgcatt agtgtggaaa tgctgataaa
2401 ggtctttcct gctcataaaa aatgaggatg gcatctcatg aaggaaacat tgattctgga
2521 tgtttgttaa tgacagattg tacacatgta ttccaacaca gagtataata gcccccaaag
2581 tcctcgtgcg tcacttttct cacagtaacc tccctgtggg tggagtaacc ttattgggca
2641 tagagcatag agttggagaa atgtctttag gcttagttag gaccagaaat agctatgtat
2701 tctgtgtata tatgtaaaat tttgtatcaa taacgaaact tattttttat ttgcacaccc
2761 acacgtattc cccagcccga gcagttcagt gatgaagtgg aaccagcaac acctgaagaa
2821 ggggaaccag caactcaacg tcaggatcct gcagctgctc aggagggaga ggatgaggga
2881 gcatctgcag gtcaaggtga gggaaaggga agaagaacgt ctgctggtgt gtgcgtgtgt
2941 gtgtgttcgt gtgtgtgtgt gcacgtgtgt gtgtgttagg cattgtcaca taggaggaag
3001 aggaggaaag aaaacaatgg aaagaatgcc tgaaattgac tggaaaagcg aggaggctat
3061 gtagtttgca gcttagctta ggcaaatccc tcactatgat aaaagttctc gactttatga
3121 atgagagaat ggaggtgcca ggattgtgtg ttatccaaga acccttgact ggtgaataca
3181 acatttgtac tgtgttctaa ggtttgtgtc ttoctatcat gtatgttgct ggaaagaagg
3241 aagtgatttt gctgaaaatg cttaaaactc aaaaggcttt actgtaaggt agcttagtac
3301 tgacccaaga atagacccag ttcagaggag caggagcagc tccaaaaacc gagtcgctga
3361 atgttggccc ccgtttcctt tgattgatat ttttatatgg tacgtttgat aaaagctgga
3421 taaatgagga tactgccata caggtagctg gtttagtgat ttttctcagc ggcctttagg
3481 aggtgattaa atccttttat ggttagaaaa goaaaaacgg aattatcctg agattaacgt
3541 gagatggaaa taatttctcc gagataaaat gttttgaaag gaagcattta tgtaacggag
3601 gtcatggatt attccaggga tgcactgtta aaagttccta gaatctgact gacaacaatg
3661 cccattaatt gctgtccgcc cactccctta ttctcagtgc ggggacagta tattttctgt
3721 gattcacaaa caatgttata tttggtgctt tgttcttcac ggggttcatt tatggaatat
3781 tacctttagg accttcggac ctaaatataa ctttatttga acaaagtgaa gtttctcttt
3841 accccgatag gtaatgggtg tcgtgactgt aagatttcca tagtcctcaa atccatccag
3201 ctaatcaatc cttcagaaac tgacattgta attgtaactg aaatcctacc cacgtggtag
3961 acttcagatt tctcagctga cacacactgc tgttggtact ctagggctga atataagcat
4021 tatacatgtc ctgtggttta tccttagatt gtcatttagg agaaaggtct aaagctgggc
4081 tgaatgccat gcactcatag tcccagctac ttgggaggcc gaggtgagag gattgcttga
4141 gtcctggagt tcaagcccag cctgggaaac acagtgagac ctcattgcta ataaataaat
4201 aaatgaataa ataaataaac acataaataa attcattaaa taaataaagt tttcatggta
4261 taggaaaaca cagatgcaaa gtttttgtgc ctagtggctg gtaatgttgc aaacgtaact
4321 ccttagtgaa ctgtaccact ttagttaaga tggtaaattt taggatatct gtatttttta
4381 ccacaattgg aaattccttt cttcctaaag ttcagtgcag ttatcatata ttcttttaaa
4441 tttttactgt atgtatcttc aagacataac attcatagaa aatttgcaca gaatagtaca
4501 atgaactcat atactgttca tctggattca ccaattgtta gtagcctttc gcttcatagg
4561 tttcacatct cttccctccg tctcttaccg tgctgcccac acactcacac acacacactc
4621 acacacacat acggatatat gtttactgtt attaatgctg aattgtctcg ataaagtttc
4681 agggattatg gtcctttacc ctatgtactt gagggtgtgt atatcgtcag aacaaagaga
4741 aagtcatttc ttggatcatc actgcacaaa gataaaaatc aggaaattta acaatgagaa
4801 aatggagtca tttaatcaca gagtgcatac tcaaattttc ccagttcccc agaaaatttc
4861 ttttttcctt ttttttttct ftgttgagac ggagtctccc tctgtgggcc aggttggagg
4921 gcagtagtgc gatctcggct cactgcaacc tacacctccc aggttctagg gattctcatg
4981 cctcagcctc ccgtgtagct gggactacag gcgccggcca ctgcggtctt gaacttctgg
5041 cctcacctgc tctgcccacc ttggcatccc aaaatgtttg gattgcaggc gtgagacccc
5101 acgcccggcc cagataattt tattgatagg atttcttttt ctgatccaga gtccagttga
5161 gaatcacacc ttgcatgtgc ctttcaggtg tttttagttt cctttaacct gtaatgtttc
5221 cttaattttt cttgtcattc acgatacgga catttttgga gaggatagac cagttggttt
5281 gcagaatatt ctgtagtttg ggctttttca tgtatttttt aaaagagttt tctcactcag
5401 gagagacggg atttgagcct tgagtcattt aatacgagaa ggacaatcag aagtagaata
5461 agagagaagt gcaaaggagg cagcaaagtt gtctgagggc agtcttcgga aaggaggagg
5521 gtaatatttc gaacaccttg ttttcctgtt ttctgctaac ggactcctga aataatgttc
5581 ctgggattct tatcaacaca tttattatta cgttagctaa agctctttat ataataatac
5641 cgagagcatg aatatcattt tcttattcat attttatgtt ttactgctta aattgatacg
5701 tattttttat ttttaagggc cgaagcctga agctcatagc caggaacagg gtcacccaca
5761 gactgggtgt gagtgtgaag atggtcctga tgggcaggag atggacccgc caaatccaga
5821 ggaggtgaaa acgcctgaag aaggtaggca atccattagg catgcacatt gtagggtgtc
5881 tgtttccaca gtatcatatt gtaactctta ctatgttttt gagacggagt ctcgctctga
5941 agaccaggct ggagtgcagt ggtgccatct cggctcactg gaaattctgt ctccagggtt
6001 caagtgattc tcctgcctga gcctctggcg gagccgggct tacaggcatg ctccgccgcg
6061 cccagctaat tgttgtattt ttagtagaga cagggtttcg ttatgttgca caggttgttc
6121 ccgaactcct gacctcaggt gatccacctg cctcgaccat tgaaattgcc gggattacag
6181 gcagagccac cgtgcccgac ccagcattat atttttaata acagagaggt aacaatactg
6241 cgtctttagt aacagagttc ttatataaag gttatttgaa acgtagttca ggccccagca
6301 cccggctgat agactgtcag atagggaaac aaagtgagtc aaagctatgt tgaattaaaa
6361 gttttgagta taaatcctta aaccagtagc tcacaatttt cagatgcttt tgtaaaggtc
6421 tgcttttaat caatacataa cacgtttgta acacccatca cttggtgtga aaaatgctga
6481 agcactcatg cgggttctaa taccagctct tacagccttg gcgagattct gagtgagtcc
6541 tttcccttct aaacctatct ttggttctta tgaaaatagt gagtttaagt cagagacttt
6601 aaaaccattt tgcattccgt ttctttcata ctctgatcct gttgcataga atgcgtggga
6661 cacagagatc atctcttcgc atggtttgtt aatcacaaat catgaaaccc tggcccgagt
6721 catctgaaaa tctctgaatt gagatttcat tgtcagtaag acagtgagcg ggccctctgc
6781 ttcatcctag tttttccgtg tggagagctg aatacgtagt ataagatctt gtgaaattgt
6841 gaattctccc tcttcttggt ttgtttgttt gtttgcgaca gagtctcagt gtgtcaccca
6901 ggctggagtg cagtgatgca atttcagctc actgcaactt ctggctccca gctaaagccg
6961 tcctcccacc tcagcctccc gagtggctgg aactacatgc acaagccacc gtgcctgact
7021 acattttttt gttttcattt ttgtagagat gaggtctcac tgtgttgccc aggcagggtt
7081 tctctggctt ttaatgaaca attgcttctt ttttttcctt ttatttattt attatacttt
7141 aagttttagg gtacatgtga cgttgtgcag gttagttaca tacgtataca tgtgccatgc
7201 tgtgcgctgc acccactatc tcatcatcta gcattaggta catctcccag tgctatccct
7261 cccccctccc cccacccgac aacagtcccc agggtgtgat attccccttc ctctgtccat
7321 gtgatctcat tgttcagttc ccacctatga gtgagaatat gcggtgtttg gttttttgtt
7381 cttgcgatag tttactgaga atgatgattt cnagtttcat ccatgtccct acaaaggaca
7441 tgaactcttc attttttagg gctgcatagt attccatagt gtatatgtgc cacattttct
7501 taatccagtc tatcgttgtt ggacatttgg gttggttcca agtctttgct atcgtgaata
7561 atgccgcaat aaacatacgt gtgcaogtgt ctttatagca gcatgattta tagtcctttg
7821 ggtatatacc cagtaatggg atggctgggt caaatggtac aattgcttct taaatctttc
7681 cccacggaaa ccttgagtga ctgaaataaa tatcaaatgg cgagagaccg tttagttcgt
7741 atcatctgtg gcatgtaggt cagtgatgct cagcatgggt gtgagtaaga tgcctgtgct
7801 atgcatgctc cctgccccac tgtoagtctt catgagcoac tatttctaat aagactgtag
7861 acacacatac gatataatca tctctaatca tatcaaatgt tacatgtaag tttcagcttt
7921 agagacatga attgataaga tttaaagttg aaagaccatg actctagtac ttcctgagta
7981 atcaactgaa gtatgcttta cacatgtgtt ttccaaattg ctgactgtta attgtaagtg
8041 cttgtgactt gaaaggaagc acatgatgtt cagggaggaa attcctttta aattctgcag
8101 gtctacgctc aaagtttatg cagaggttca attgcgtgta agacacggga tcacccatag
8161 ggttctgttt ttagtccatt taataaaacc caaactgtag tgtgctttgt atgcctttag
8221 ggtcatctga ataatctgtt gctaagtcat gttcccaatc gttgtgtttc tgttacaggt
8281 gaaaagcaat cacagtgtta aaagaaggca cgttgaaatg atgcaggctg ctcctatgtt
8341 ggaaatttgt tcattaaaat tctcccaata aagctttaca gccttctgca aagaagtctt
8401 gcgcatcttt tgtgaagttt atttctagct ttttgatgct gtgaaatatg tatcattctt
8461 tgaaatcgtg tattgtaact ctctgagctg gtatgtagag acatcgttct tttttttttt
8521 ctttctttct ttgtcctctt ttgagacgga gtcttgctct gtcgcccagg ctggagtgca
8581 gtggcgcgat ctctgctcac tgcaaccccg cctcccggat tcaagcaatt gtctgcctca
8641 gcctcccgag tagctgggat tataggcacc caccagcacg ccctggctaa gttttgtgtt
8701 tttactagag atggtttcgc atcttagccg gggtgctctt gaactcctga cctcgtgatt
8761 cacctgcctt ggcctcccaa agtgctggga ttacaggcat gcacgcctcc gcgcccggtg
8821 gagacataat tcttacatat tggttttcta tccagcggcc ttgtgaaata tgcttgtgaa
8881 ttctaaagtt tacttctagg tcgttttcag tcttcaatat acagaaacat atcatcctgg
8941 aataagagca gttttgtttc cgccattttt ttttgttttt ccttttgtac tttttttgta
9001 gagacggggt tttgccatgt ttcccgggct gttgttgnnn ttttgagtgc aagtgatgca
9061 cccacgtcac ctcccacagt gctgggatta ctggcgtggg ccaggggcca cccgtggcgg
9121 gccccgtcgt tgccattgta aagagtttta tttccttttc tgattttatg gcattgcgca
9181 gacccacccg ttacaatggt gacagtggac atccttgtct tatccctgat gagaaaccga
9241 aaaatttcaa catttcgcca tcctattcac tctccttttt ttgtagacgg actttatcag
9301 agtgagtcat tgcattctgt tccaaatttg ctgagagtat tcatttgaat atatgttgat
9361 tttcatcaaa cagtgcatct atttcgatta ccacagcgtt ttttcccatt catgggttaa
9421 tatagtgaat tcgattgata aatttgtacg tttttaggtt cgattattaa aacttgagac
9481 agcgtctcac tctgtcaccg aggctggagt gcggtggtgt tatcagagct c

[0048]

Claims

1. An isolated nucleic acid molecule which encodes a protein which is encoded by a nucleic acid molecule comprising the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1, 2or3.

2. The isolated nucleic acid molecule of claim 1, comprising the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1, 2or3.

3. Expression vector comprising the isolated nucleic acid molecule of claim 1, operably linked to a promoter.

4. Expression vector comprising the isolated nucleic acid molecule of claim 2, operably linked to a promoter.

5. Recombinant cell comprising the isolated nucleic acid molecule of claim 1.

6. Recombinant cell comprising the isolated nucleic acid molecule of claim 2.

7. Recombinant cell comprising the expression vector of claim 3.

8. Recombinant cell comprising the expression vector of claim 4.

9. The recombinant cell of claim 5, further comprising a nucleic acid molecule which encodes an HLA molecule.

10. The Recombinant cell of claim 9, wherein said HLA molecule is HLA-A29 or HLA-Cw6.

11. The recombinant cell of claim 6, further comprising a nucleic acid molecule which encodes an HLA molecule.

12. The recombinant cell of claim 11, wherein said HLA molecule is HLA-A29 or HLA-Cw6.

13. The recombinant cell of claim 7, further comprising a nucleic acid molecule which encodes an HLA molecule.

14. The recombinant cell of claim 13, wherein said HLA molecule is HLA-A29 or HLA-Cw6.

15. The recombinant cell of claim 8, further comprising a nucleic acid molecule which encodes an HLA molecule.

16. The recombinant cell of claim 15, wherein said HLA molecule is HLA-A29 or HLA-Cw6.

17. Expression kit useful in generating CTLs or determining if CTLs are present in a sample, comprising a separate portion of each of: (i) the isolated nucleic acid molecule of claim 1 and (ii) an isolated nucleic acid molecule which encodes an HLA molecule.

18. The expression kit of claim 17, wherein said HLA molecule is HLA-A29 or HLA-Cw6.

19. Expression kit useful in generating CTLs or determinating if CTLs are present in a sample, comprising a separate portion of each of: (i) the isolated nucleic acid molecule claim 2, and (ii) an isolated nucleic acid molecule which encodes an HLA molecule

20. The expression kit of claim 19, wherein said HLA molecule is HLA-A29 or HLA-Cw6.

21. Isolated protein encoded by the isolated nucleic acid molecule of the claim 1.

22. Composition comprising the isolated protein of claim 21, and an adjuvant.

23. Isolated peptide which comprises at least the first 74 amino acids of the protein encoded by SEQ ID NO: 1, 2 or 3, and no more than the complete protein encoded by SEQ ID NO: 1, 2or3.

24. Composition comprising the isolated peptide of claim 23, and an adjuvant.

25. A method for determining expression of a GAGE gene in a sample, comprising contacting said sample with at least one oligonulceotide primer selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS: 4, 5 and 6, and determining hybridization of said oligonucleotide primer to a target mRNA molecule as a determination of GAGE expression in said sample.

26. The method of claim 25, comprising contacting said sample with SEQ ID NOS: 4 and 5, said method further comprising amplifying said primers.

27. The method of claim 25, comprising contacting said sample with SEQ ID NOS: 5 and 6, said method further comprising amplifying said primers.

28. Th method of claim 26, wherein said GAGE gene is GAGE 1, 2, or 8.

29. Th method of claim 27, wherein said GAGE gene is GAGE 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7B.

30. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising at least nucleotides 107-350 of the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1.

31. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising at least nucleotides 92-335 of the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2.

32. An isolated nucleic acid molecule consisting of nucleotides 453-650 of the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 8.

33. A method for determining expression of a GAGE gene in a sample, comprising contacting said sample with at least one oligonucleotide primer selected from the group consisting of nucleotides 453-470 of SEQ ID NO: 8, and nucleotides 633-650 of SEQ ID NO: 8, and determining hybridization to a target mRNA molecule as an indication of expression of a GAGE gene in said sample.

34. The method of claim 33, comprising contacting said sample with a primer consisting of nucleotides 453-470 of SEQ ID NO: 8, and nucleotides 633-650 of SEQ ID NO: 8, said method further comprising amplifying said primers.

35. An isolated nucleic acid molecule consisting of a nucleotide sequence which encodes an MHC binding peptide of a GAGE gene.

36. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising nucleotides 7109-7659 of SEQ ID NO: 3.