Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose:For an effective anti-tumor response it is essential that the immune system recognizes the tumor cells. This can be achieved by a T cell mediated response (Th and CTL) and by NK cells. Targets for the response are the products of the MHC. Some NK cells recognize also a molecule newly found within the MHC, the MICA. The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of HLA class I, -II, and MICA genes. Furthermore, we compared HLA frequencies with histopathological parameters. Methods:Between 1989 and 2001, 159 uveal melanoma patients were typed for HLA class I, -II, and MICA either by complement dependent cytotoxicity or DNA based techniques. In addition, the presence or absence of certain HLA genes was compared with the histopathologic parameters of 66 uveal melanoma obtained from enucleation. Results:Class I, -II, and MICA gene frequencies in uveal melanoma patients and healthy Caucasian controls showed no significant deviation after correction for the number of comparisons. Secondly, no associations between histopathologic parameters and particular genes were found. Conclusion:Our preliminary data suggest that immune surveillance towards uveal melanoma is not associated with a particular MHC gene specificity.
Keywords: 464 melanoma • 420 genetics • 496 oncology