Method for identifying individuals suffering from a cellular abnormality some of whose abnormal cells present complexes of human leukocyte antigen tyrosinase derived peptides, and methods for treating said individuals

Abstract

The invention relates to the identification of complexes of human leukocyte antigen molecules and tyrosinase derived peptides on the surfaces of abnormal cells. The therapeutic and diagnostic ramifications of this observation are the subject of the invention.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to various therapeutic methodologies derived from the recognition that certain abnormal cells present complexes of human leukocyte antigens and peptides derived from tyrosinase on their surfaces. In addition, it relates to the ability to identify those individuals diagnosed with conditions characterized by cellular abnormalities whose abnormal cells present this complex, the presented peptides, and the ramifications thereof.

BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART

[0003] 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 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 cell and complexes of HLA/peptide 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. Recently, 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).

[0004] 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. 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.

[0005] In U.S. patent application Ser. No. 938,334, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference, nonapeptides are taught which bind to the 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 bind one HLA molecule, but not others. 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.

[0006] The enzyme tyrosinase catalyzes the reaction converting tyrosine to dehydroxyphenylalanine or “DOPA” and appears to be expressed selectively in melanocytes (Muller et al., EMBOJ 7: 2715 (1988)). An early report of cDNA for the human enzyme is found in Kwon, U.S. Pat. No. 4,898,814. A later report by Bouchard et al., J. Exp. Med. 169: 2029 (1989) presents a slightly different sequence. A great deal of effort has gone into identifying inhibitors for this enzyme, as it has been implicated in pigmentation diseases. Some examples of this literature include Jinbow, WO9116302; Mishima et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,077,059, and Nazzaropor, U.S. Pat. No. 4,818,768. The artisan will be familiar with other references which teach similar materials.

[0007] None of these references teach or suggest, however, that tyrosinase may be treated in a manner similar to a foreign antigen or a TRAP molecule—i.e., it has now been found that in certain cellular abnormalities, such as melanoma, tyrosinase is processed and a peptide derived therefrom forms a complex with HLA molecules on certain abnormal cells. These complexes are recognized by cytolytic T cells (“CTLs”), which then lyse the presenting cells. The ramifications of this surprising and unexpected phenomenon are the subject of the invention, which is described in greater detail in the disclosure which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0008] FIG. 1 describes, collectively, cell lysis studies. In particular:

[0009] FIG. 1A shows lysis of cell line LB24;

[0010] FIG. 1B shows lysis of cell line SK29-MEL;

[0011] FIG. 1C shows lysis of cell line LB4.MEL;

[0012] FIG. 1D shows lysis of cell line SK23.MEL;

[0013] FIG. 1E shows lysis of cell line LE516.MEL;

[0014] FIG. 1F shows lysis studies on NK target K562;

[0015] FIG. 1G shows lysis of autologous, EBV-B transformed cells;

[0016] FIG. 1H shows lysis of the loss variant in FIG. 1F after transfection with a gene for HLA-A2;

[0017] FIG. 1I shows lysis of autologous IEBV-β transformed cells.

[0018] FIG. 2 presents studies of TNF release of CTL IVSB.

[0019] FIG. 3 depicts studies of TNF release of CTL 210/9.

[0020] FIG. 4 depicts the recognition of the peptide YMNGTMSQV by cytolytic T cell clone CTLIVSB but not cytolytic T cell clone CTL 2/9.

[0021] FIG. 5 shows that the peptide YMNGTMSQV is not recognized by cytolytic T cell clone CTL 210/9.

[0022] FIG. 6 shows the results obtained when TNF release assays were carried out on various cells, including those which present HLA-B44 on their surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

EXAMPLE 1

[0023] Melanoma cell lines SK 29-MEL (also referred to in the literature as SK MEL-29) and LB24-MEL, which have been available to researchers for many years, were used in the following experiments.

[0024] Samples containing mononuclear blood cells were taken from patients AV and LB24-MEL (these patients were also the source of SK 29-MEL and LB24-MEL, respectively). The melanoma cell lines were contacted to the mononuclear blood cell containing samples. The mixtures were observed for lysis of the melanoma cell lines, this lysis indicating that cytolytic T cells (“CTLs”) specific for a complex of peptide and HLA molecule presented by the melanoma cells were present in the sample.

[0025] The lysis assay employed was a chromium release assay following Herin et al., Int. J. Cancer 39:390-396 (1987), the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. The assay, however, is described herein. The target melanoma cells were grown in vitro, and then resuspended at 107 cells/ml in DMEM, supplemented with 10 mM HEPES and 30% FCS, and incubated for 45 minutes at 37° C. with 200 μCi/ml of Na(51Cr)O4. Labelled cells were washed three times with DMEM, supplemented with 10 mM Hepes. These were then resuspended in DMEM supplemented with 10 mM Hepes and 10% FCS, after which 100 ul aliquots containing 103 cells, were distributed into 96 well microplates. Samples of PBLs were added in 100 ul of the same medium, and assays were carried out in duplicate. Plates were centrifuged for 4 minutes at 100 g, and incubated for four hours at 37° C. in a 5.5% of CO2 atmosphere.

[0026] Plates were centrifuged again, and 100 ul aliquots of supernatant were collected and counted. Percentage of 51Cr release was calculated as follows: 1${\%}^{51}\mathrm{Cr}\mathrm{release}=\frac{\left(\mathrm{ER}-\mathrm{SR}\right)}{\left(\mathrm{MR}-\mathrm{SR}\right)}\times 100$

[0027] where ER is observed, experimental 51Cr release, SR is spontaneous release measured by incubating 103 labeled cells in 200 ul of medium alone, and MR is maximum release, obtained by adding 100 ul 0.3% Triton X-100 to target cells.

[0028] Those mononuclear blood samples which showed high CTL activity were expanded and cloned via limiting dilution, and were screened again, using the same methodology.

[0029] The same method was used to test target K562 cells. When EBV-B cells were used, the only change was the replacement of DMEM medium by Hank's medium, supplemented with 5% FCS.

[0030] These experiments led to isolation of CTL clone “IVSB” from patient AV and CTL clone 210/9 from patient LB24.

[0031] FIG. 1 presents the results of these assays, in panels A, B, G and I. Specifically, it will be seen that both CTLs lysed both melanoma cell lines, and that there was no lysis of the K562 and EBV-B cell lines.

EXAMPLE 2

[0032] The CTLs described were tested against other melanoma cell lines to determine whether their target was shared by other melanoma cell lines. Lysis as described in Example 1 was studied for lines LB4.MEL, SK23.MEL (also known as SK MEL-23), and LE516.MEL. FIG. 1, panels C, D and E shows that the clones did lyse these lines.

[0033] The tested lines are known to be of type HLA-A2, and the results suggested that the CTLs are specific for a complex of peptide and HLA-A2. This suggestion was verified by testing a variant of SK 29-MEL which has lost HLA-A2 expression. FIG. 1, panel F shows these results. Neither clone lysed the HLA-loss variant. When the variant was transfected with the HLA-A2 gene of SK29-MEL, however, and retested, lysis was observed. Thus, it can be concluded that the presenting molecule is HLA-A2.

EXAMPLE 3

[0034] Once the presenting HLA molecule was identified, studies were carried out to identify the molecule, referred to hereafter as the “tumor rejection antigen precursor” or “TRAP” molecule which was the source of the presented peptide.

[0035] To do this, total RNA was isolated from cell line SK29-MEL.1, which is a subclone of SK29-MEL. The RNA was isolated using an oligo-dT binding kit, following well recognized techniques. Once the total RNA was secured, it was transcribed into CDNA, again using standard methodologies. The cDNA was then ligated to EcoRI adaptors and cloned into the EcoRI site of plasmid pcDNA-I/Amp, in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. The recombinant plasmids were then electroporated into JM101 E. coli (electroporation conditions: 1 pulse at 25 μfarads, 2500 V).

[0036] The transfected bacteria were selected with ampicillin (50 μg/ml), and then divided into 700 pools of 200 clones each. Each pool represented about 100 different cDNAs, as analysis showed that about 50% of plasmids contained an insert. Each pool was amplified to saturation, and plasmid DNA was isolated via alkaline lysis, potassium acetate precipitation and phenol extraction, following Maniatis et al., in Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual (Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., 1982). Cesium gradient centrifugation was not used.

EXAMPLE 4

[0037] The amplified plasmids were then transfected into eukaryotic cells. Samples of COS-7 cells were seeded, at 15,000 cells/well into tissue culture flat bottom microwells, in Dulbeco's modified Eagles Medium (“DMEM”) supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum. The cells were incubated overnight at 37° C., medium was removed and then replaced by 30 μl/well of DMEM medium containing 10% Nu serum, 400 μg/ml DEAE-dextran, 100 μM chloroquine, 100 ng of plasmid pcDNA-I/Amp-A2 and 100 ng of DNA of a pool of the cDNA library described supra. Plasmid pcDNA-I/Amp-A2 contains the HLA-A2 gene from SK29-MEL. Following four hours of incubation at 37° C, the medium was removed, and replaced by 50 μl of PBS containing 10% DMSO. This medium was removed after two minutes and replaced by 200 μl of DMEM supplemented with 10% of FCS.

[0038] Following this change in medium, COS cells were incubated for 48 hours at 37° C. Medium was then discarded, and 2000 cells of either of the described CTL clones were added, in 100 μl of Iscove medium containing 10% pooled human serum. When clone 210/9 was used, the medium was supplemented with 25 U/ml of IL-2. Supernatant was removed after 24 hours, and TNF content was determined in an assay on WEHI cells, as described by Traversari et al., Immunogenetics 35: 145-152 (1992), the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.

[0039] Of 700 wells tested with IVSB, 696 showed between 0.6 and 4 pg of TNF per ml. The remaining four wells contained between 10 and 20 pg/ml of TNF. Homologous wells tested with CTL 210/9 showed similar, clearly higher values. FIGS. 2 and 3 present these data.

EXAMPLE 5

[0040] Three of the four pools identified as high producers (numbers “123”, “181” and “384”) were selected for further experiments. Specifically, the bacteria were cloned, and 570 bacteria were tested from each pool. Plasmid DNA was extracted therefrom, transfected into a new sample of COS cells in the same manner as described supra, and the cells were again tested for stimulation of CTL 210/9 and CTL IVSB. A positive clone was found in pool 123 (“p123.B2”), and one was found in pool 384 (“p384.C6”). Convincing evidence that the transfected cells were recognized by CTLs was obtained by carrying out a comparative test of COS cells transfected with cDNA and the HLA-A2 gene, and COS cells transfected only with HLA-A2. TNF release in CTL supernatant was measured by testing it on WEHI cells. The optical density of the surviving WEHI cells was measured using MTT. Results are presented in Table 1:

	TABLE 1
	cDNA (123.B2) +	no cDNA +
	HLA-A2 DNA	HLA-A2
	Run 1	0.087	0.502
	Run 2	0.108	0.562

[0041] The values for WEHI OD's correspond to 24 pg/ml of TNF for cDNA and HLA-A2, versus 2.3 pg/ml for the control.

[0042] The plasmids from the positive clones were removed, and sequenced following art known techniques. A sequence search revealed that the plasmid insert was nearly identical to the cDNA for human tyrosinase, as described by Bouchard et al., J. Exp. Med. 169: 2029 (1989), the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. Thus, a normally occurring molecule (i.e., tyrosinase), may act as a tumor rejection antigen precursor and be processed to form a peptide tumor rejection antigen which is presented on the surface of a cell, in combination with HLA-A2, thereby stimulating lysis by CTL clones. The nucleic sequence of the identified molecule is presented as SEQ ID NO: 1.

EXAMPLE 6

[0043] Prior work reported by Chomez et al., Immunogenetics 35: 241 (1992) has shown that small gene fragments which contain a sequence coding for an antigenic peptide resulted in expression of that peptide. This work, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety, suggested the cloning of small portions of the human tyrosinase cDNA described supra and in SEQ ID NO: 1. Using the methodologies described in examples 1-5, various fragments of the CDNA were cotransfected with a gene for HLA-A2 in COS-7 cells, and TNF release assays were performed. These experiments led to identification of an approximately 400 base pair fragment which, when used in cotransfection experiments, provoked TNF release from cytolytic T cell clone CTL IVSB discussed supra, shown to be specific for HLA-A2 presenting cells. The 400 base fragment used corresponded to bases 711 to 1152 of SEQ ID NO: 1. The amino acid sequence for which the fragment codes was deduced, and this sequence was then compared to the information provided by Hunt et al., Science 255: 1261 (1992), and Falk et al., Nature 351: 290 (1991), the disclosures of which are both incorporated by reference in their entirety. These references discuss consensus sequences for HLA-A2 presented peptides. Specifically, Hunt discusses nonapeptides, where either Leu or Ile is always found at the second position, Leu being the “dominant residue”. The ninth residue is described as always being a residue with an aliphatic hydrocarbon side chain. Val is the dominant residue at this position. Hunt, discusses a strong signal for Leu and an intermediate signal for Met at the second position, one of Val, Leu, Ile or Thr at position 6, and Val or Leu at position 9, with Val being particularly strong. On the basis of the comparison, nonapeptides were synthesized and then tested to see if they could sensitize HLA-A2 presenting cells. To do so, tyrosinase loss variant cell lines SK29-MEL 1.218 and T202LB were used. Varying concentrations of the tested peptides were added to the cell lines, together with either of cytolytic T cell clone CTL IVSB or cytolytic T cell clone CTL 2/9. Prior work, described supra, had established that the former clone lysed tyrosinase expressing cells which present HLA-A2, and that the latter did not.

[0044] The tyrosinase loss variants, cytolytic T cell clones, and peptides were incubated for one hour in a solution containing 51Cr, at 37° C., either with or without anti HLA-A2 antibody MA2.1, which was used to stabilize empty HLA-A2 molecules. In the tests, cells were washed four times, and then incubated with varying dilutions of the peptides, from 100 μM down to 0.01 μM. After 30 minutes, effector cells were added at an E/T ratio of 40/1 and four hours later, 10λ of supernatant were collected and radioactivity counted.

[0045] FIG. 4 shows the results obtained with nonapeptide

[0046] Tyr Met Asn Gly Thr Met Ser Gln Val. (SEQ ID NO: 2).

[0047] This peptide, referred to hereafter as SEQ ID NO: 2, corresponds to residues 1129-1155 of the cDNA sequence for tyrosinase presented in SEQ ID NO: 1. Complexes of HLA-A2 and this peptide are recognized by CTL clone CTL IVSB.

[0048] In a parallel experiment, it was shown that CTL clone CTL 210/9, derived from patient LB24, did not recognize the complexes of HLA-A2 and the peptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, although it did recognize complexes of HLA-A2 and a tyrosinase derived peptide. Thus, tyrosinase is processed to at least one additional peptide which, when presented by HLA-A2 molecules, is recognized by CTL clones.

EXAMPLE 7

[0049] In a follow-up experiment, a second gene fragment which did not encode the peptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 was used. This fragment began at base 1 and ended at base 1092 of SEQ ID NO: 1. Cytolytic T cell clone CTL 210/9, discussed supra, was tested against COS-7 cells transfected with this fragment in the manner described supra. CTL IVSB was also tested. These results, showed that CTL 210/9 recognized an antigen on the surface of HLA-A2 cells transfected with this fragment, but CTL IVSB did not. Thus, a second tumor rejection antigen peptide is derived from tyrosinase.

EXAMPLE 8

[0050] Additional experiments were carried out using CTL clone 22/31. This clone had previously been shown to lyse subline MZ2-MEL.43 from autologous melanoma cell line MZ2-MEL, but did not lyse other sublines, such as MZ2-MEL 3.0 and MZ2-MEL 61.2, nor did it lyse autologous EBV transformed B cells, or killer cell line K562 (see Van den Eynde et al., Int. J. Cancer 44: 634-640 (1989)). The antigen presented by MZ2-MEL.43 is referred to as antigen C.

[0051] In prior work including that reported in the parent of this application, it was found that the tyrosinase gene encodes an antigen recognized by autologous CTLs on most HLA-A2 melanoma. Expression of this gene on sublines of cell line MZ2-MEL was tested by PCR amplification. Clone MZ2-MEL.43 was found to be positive, whereas all others were negative. Correlation of expression of the tyrosinase gene, and antigen MZ2-C, suggested that MZ2-C might be a tumor rejection antigen derived from tyrosinase, and presented by an HLA molecule expressed by MZ2-MEL. This cell line does not express HLA-A2, which would indicate that if a tyrosinase derived peptide were presented as a TRA, a second HLA molecule was implicated.

[0052] Studies were carried out to identify which HLA molecule presented antigen C to CTL 22/31. To determine this, cDNA clones -of the HLA molecules known to be on the cell surface, i.e., HLA-A29, HLA-B37, HLA-B 44.02, and HLA-C clone 10, were isolated from an MZ2-MEL.43 cDNA library, and then cloned into expression vector pcDNAI/Amp. Recipient COS 7 cells were then transfected with one of these constructs or a construct containing HLA-A1, plus CDNA coding for tyrosinase (SEQ ID NO: 1). The contransfection followed the method set forth above. One day later CTL 22/31 was added, and 24 hours later, TNF release was measured by testing cytotoxicity on WEHI-164-13, following Traversari et al, supra. FIG. 6 shows that TNF was released by CTL 22/31 only in the presence of cells transfected with both HLA-B44 and tyrosinase. The conclusion to be drawn from this is that HLA-B44 presents a tyrosinase derived tumor rejection antigen.

[0053] The foregoing experiments demonstrate that tyrosinase is processed as a tumor rejection antigen precursor, leading to formation of complexes of the resulting tumor rejection antigens with a molecule on at least some abnormal cells, for example, melanoma cells with HLA-A2 or HLA-B44 phenotype. The complex can be recognized by CTLS, and the presenting cell lysed. This observation has therapeutic and diagnostic ramifications which are features of the invention. With respect to therapies, the observation that CTLs which are specific for abnormal cells presenting the aforementioned complexes are produced, suggests various therapeutic approaches. One such approach is the administration of CTLs specific to the complex to a subject with abnormal cells of the phenotype at issue. it is within the skill of the artisan to develop such CTLs in vitro. Specifically, a sample of cells, such as blood cells, are contacted to a cell presenting the complex and capable of provoking a specific CTL to proliferate. The target cell can be a transfectant, such as a COS cell of the type described supra. These transfectants present the desired complex on their surface and, when combined with a CTL of interest, stimulate its proliferation. So as to enable the artisan to produce these CTLs, vectors containing the genes of interest, i.e., pcDNA-1/Amp1 (HLA-A2), and p123.B2 (human tyrosinase), have been deposited in accordance with the Budapest Treaty at the Institut Pasteur, under Accession Numbers I1275 and I1276, respectively. COS cells, such as those used herein are widely available, as are other suitable host cells.

[0054] To detail the therapeutic methodology, referred to as adoptive transfer (Greenberg, J. Immunol. 136(5): 1917 (1986); Reddel et al., Science 257: 238 (Jul. 10, 1992); Lynch et al., Eur. J. Immunol. 21: 1403-1410 (1991); Kast et al., Cell 59: 603-614 (Nov. 17, 1989)), cells presenting the desired complex are combined with CTLs leading to proliferation of the CTLs specific thereto. The proliferated CTLs are then administered to a subject with a cellular abnormality which is characterized by certain of the abnormal cells presenting the particular complex. The CTLs then lyse the abnormal cells, thereby achieving the desired therapeutic goal.

[0055] The foregoing therapy assumes that at least some of the subject's abnormal cells present one or more of the HLA/tyrosinase derived peptide complexes. This can be determined very easily. For example CTLs are identified using the transfectants discussed sulra, and once isolated, can be used with a sample of a subject's abnormal cells to determine lysis in vitro. If lysis is observed, then the use of specific CTLs in such a therapy may alleviate the condition associated with the abnormal cells. A less involved methodology examines the abnormal cells for HLA phenotyping, using standard assays, and determines expression of tyrosinase via amplification using, e.g., PCR. The fact that a plurality of different HLA molecules present TRAs derived from tyrosinase increases the number of individuals who are suitable subjects for the therapies discussed herein.

[0056] Adoptive transfer is not the only form of therapy that is available in accordance with the invention. CTLs can also be provoked in vivo, using a number of approaches. One approach, i.e., the use of non-proliferative cells expressing the complex, has been elaborated upon supra. The cells used in this approach may be those that normally express the complex, such as irradiated melanoma cells or cells transfected with one or both of the genes necessary for presentation of the complex. Chen et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 88: 110-114 (January, 1991) exemplifies this approach, showing the use of transfected cells expressing HPVE7 peptides in a therapeutic regime. Various cell types may be used. similarly, vectors carrying one or both of the genes of interest may be used. Viral or bacterial vectors are especially preferred. In these systems, the gene of interest is carried by, e.g., a Vaccinia virus or the bacteria BCG, and the materials de facto “infect” host cells. The cells which result present the complex of interest, and are recognized by autologous CTLs, which then proliferate. A similar effect can be achieved by combining tyrosinase itself with an adjuvant to facilitate incorporation into HLA-A2 presenting cells. The enzyme is then processed to yield the peptide partner of the HLA molecule.

[0057] The foregoing discussion refers to “abnormal cells” and “cellular abnormalities”. These terms are employed in their broadest interpretation, and refer to any situation where the cells in question exhibit at least one property which indicates that they differ from normal cells of their specific type. Examples of abnormal properties include morphological and biochemical changes, e.g. Cellular abnormalities include tumors, such as melanoma, autoimmune disorders, and so forth.

[0058] The invention also provides a method for identifying precursors to CTL targets. These precursors are referred to as tumor rejection antigens when the target cells are tumors, but it must be pointed out that when the cell characterized by abnormality is not a tumor, it would be somewhat misleading to refer to the molecule as a tumor rejection antigen. Essentially, the method involves identifying a cell which is the target of a cytolytic T cell of the type discussed supra. Once such a cell is identified, total RNA is converted to a cDNA library, which is then transfected into a cell sample capable of presenting an antigen which forms a complex with a relevant HLA molecule. The transfectants are contacted with the CTL discussed supra, and again, targeting by the CTL is observed (lysis and/or TNF production). These transfectants which are lysed are then treated to have the cDNA removed and sequenced, and in this manner a precursor for an abnormal condition, such as a tumor rejection antigen precursor, can be identified.

[0059] Other aspects of the invention will be clear to the skilled artisan and need not be repeated here.

[0060] 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.

Claims

1. Method for identifying a candidate for treatment with a therapeutic agent specific for complexes of an HLA molecule and a tyrosinase derived peptide, comprising: (i) contacting an abnormal cell sample from a subject with a cytolytic T cell specific for said complexes, and (ii) determining lysis of at least part of said abnormal cell sample as an indication of a candidate for said treatment.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said HLA molecule is HLA-A2.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said HLA molecule is HLA-B44.

4. Method for treating a subject with a cellular abnormality, comprising administering to said subject an amount of an agent which provokes a cytolytic T cell response to cells presenting complexes of an HLA molecule and a tyrosinase derived peptide on their surfaces sufficient to provoke a response to abnormal cells presenting said complexes on their surfaces.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein said HLA molecule is HLA-A2.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein said HLA molecule is HLA-B44.

7. The method of claim 4, wherein said agent comprises a vector which codes for human tyrosinase.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein said agent further comprises a vector which codes for HLA-A2.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein said agent further comprises a vector which codes for HLA-B44.

10. The method of claim 71 wherein said vector also codes for HLA-A2.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein said vector also codes for HLA-B44.

12. The method of claim 4, wherein said agent is a sample of non-proliferative cell which present said complexes on their surfaces.

13. The method of claim 4, wherein said agent is a peptide consisting of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein said complexes are complexes of HLA-A2 and the peptide having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein said complexes comprise HLA-B44.

16. Method for treating a cellular abnormality comprising administering to a subject with a cellular abnormality characterized by presentation of complexes of an HLA molecule and a tyrosinase derived peptide on surfaces of abnormal cells an amount of cytolytic T cells specific for said complexes sufficient to lyse said abnormal cells.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein said HLA molecule is HLA-A2.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein said HLA molecule is HLA-B-44.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein said tyrosinase derived peptide consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein said cytolytic T cells are autologous.

21. Isolated cytolytic T cell which is specific for a complex of HLA-A2/tyrosinase derived peptide.

22. The isolated cytolytic T cell of claim 21, wherein said tyrosinase derived peptide consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2.

23. Method for identifying an abnormal cell which presents a complex of an HLA molecule and a tyrosinase derived peptide on its surface comprising contacting a sample of abnormal cells with a cytolytic T cell specific for said complex and determining lysis of said abnormal cells as a determination of cells which present said complex.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein said HLA molecule is HLA-A2.

25. The method of claim 23, wherein said HLA molecule is HLA-B44.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein said tyrosinase derived peptide consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2.

27. Method for determining a cellular abnormality, comprising quantifying the amount of messenger RNA which expresses tyrosinase in a sample of cells and comparing the value obtained to a control value, variation therebetween being indicative of a cellular abnormality of the cells in said sample.

28. Method for determining a precursor of a peptide which associates with an HLA molecule to form a complex characteristic of a cellular abnormality, comprising: (i) identifying a cytolytic T cell which lyses an abnormal cell; (ii) preparing a cDNA library from total mRNA of said abnormal cell; (iii) transfecting a recipient cell sample with said cDNA library, wherein said recipient cell sample expresses an HLA molecule; (iv) contacting said transfected recipient cells with said cytolytic T cell to determine transfected cells lysed thereby; (v) removing cDNA from said transfected cells, and (vi) sequencing said cDNA to determine said precursor.

29. Method of claim 28, wherein said cellular abnormality is cancer.

30. Isolated peptide consists of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2.