CRISPR-based gene disruption and integration of high-avidity, WT1-specific T cell receptors improve antitumor T cell function.

T cell receptor (TCR)-based therapy has the potential to induce durable clinical responses in patients with cancer by targeting intracellular tumor antigens with high sensitivity and by promoting T cell survival. However, the need for TCRs specific for shared oncogenic antigens and the need for manufacturing protocols able to redirect T cell specificity while preserving T cell fitness remain limiting factors. By longitudinal monitoring of T cell functionality and dynamics in 15 healthy donors, we isolated 19 TCRs specific for Wilms' tumor antigen 1 (WT1), which is overexpressed by several tumor types. TCRs recognized several peptides restricted by common human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles and displayed a wide range of functional avidities. We selected five high-avidity HLA-A*02:01-restricted TCRs, three that were specific to the less explored immunodominant WT137-45 and two that were specific to the noncanonical WT1-78-64 epitopes, both naturally processed by primary acute myeloid leukemia (AML) blasts. With CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing tools, we combined TCR-targeted integration into the TCR α constant (TRAC) locus with TCR ß constant (TRBC) knockout, thus avoiding TCRαß mispairing and maximizing TCR expression and function. The engineered lymphocytes were enriched in memory stem T cells. A unique WT137-45-specific TCR showed antigen-specific responses and efficiently killed AML blasts, acute lymphoblastic leukemia blasts, and glioblastoma cells in vitro and in vivo in the absence of off-tumor toxicity. T cells engineered to express this receptor are being advanced into clinical development for AML immunotherapy and represent a candidate therapy for other WT1-expressing tumors.

The IL-33-PIN1-IRAK-M axis is critical for type 2 immunity in IL-33-induced allergic airway inflammation.

Interleukin 33 (IL-33) is among the earliest-released cytokines in response to allergens that orchestrate type 2 immunity. The prolyl cis-trans isomerase PIN1 is known to induce cytokines for eosinophil survival and activation by stabilizing cytokines mRNAs, but the function of PIN1 in upstream signaling pathways in asthma is unknown. Here we show that interleukin receptor associated kinase M (IRAK-M) is a PIN1 target critical for IL-33 signaling in allergic asthma. NMR analysis and docking simulations suggest that PIN1 might regulate IRAK-M conformation and function in IL-33 signaling. Upon IL-33-induced airway inflammation, PIN1 is activated for binding with and isomerization of IRAK-M, resulting in IRAK-M nuclear translocation and induction of selected proinflammatory genes in dendritic cells. Thus, the IL-33-PIN1-IRAK-M is an axis critical for dendritic cell activation, type 2 immunity and IL-33 induced airway inflammation.

Loss of Tff1 Promotes Pro-Inflammatory Phenotype with Increase in the Levels of RORγt+ T Lymphocytes and Il-17 in Mouse Gastric Neoplasia.

Background: TFF1 deficiency induces a mucosal pro-inflammatory phenotype that contributes to gastric tumorigenesis in mouse and human. Methods: We utilized the Tff1-KO mouse model to assess the impact of TFF1 loss on immune cells infiltration in the stomach. We used single cell suspension, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays. Results: The Tff1-KO gastric mucosa demonstrated high chronic inflammatory scores (score: 3-4) at age 2 months, which exacerbated at age 8 months (score: 4-6). We next used single-cell suspensions for flow cytometry analysis of total leukocytes (CD45+ cells), total T lymphocytes (CD45+CD3+cells), T cell subsets (CD4+, CD8+, and CD3+CD4-CD8-cells), and monocytes/macrophages (CD45+F4/80+cells). The results demonstrated an age-dependent (2 → 8 month age) significant increase of leukocytes (p<0.05), T cells (p<0.05), and monocytes/macrophages (p<0.001) in the gastric mucosa of the Tff1-KO mice, as compared to Tff1-WT. A similar increase was observed in blood samples (p<0.05). Using ionomycin to activate CD4+ splenocytes, the results indicated that Tff1-KO CD4+ splenocytes secreted higher levels of IL-17A (p<0.05 at 2 and p<0.001 at 8 months) and IL-17F (p<0.05 at 2 and 8 months) than Tff1-WT splenocytes. Conversely, Tff1-KO CD8+-cells secreted less IL-17F, but comparable levels of IL-17A. In addition, we detected a significant upregulation of Il-17 mRNA expression in gastric tissues in the Tff1-KO, as compared to Tff1-WT (p<0.001). Conclusions: The results identify TFF1 loss as a major pro-inflammatory step that modulates the tumor microenvironment and immune cell infiltration in the stomach. Furthermore, the data suggest that the increase of IL-17A and IL-17F in Th17 cells, derived from CD4+ T cells, reflects the chronic inflammation in gastric mucosa, whereas the absence of change of IL-17A and decrease of IL-17F in CD8+Tc17 cells suggest loss of cytotoxic function of CD8+Tc17 cells during gastric tumorigenesis of the Tff1-KO mice.

An imprinted non-coding genomic cluster at 14q32 defines clinically relevant molecular subtypes in osteosarcoma across multiple independent datasets.

BACKGROUND: A microRNA (miRNA) collection on the imprinted 14q32 MEG3 region has been associated with outcome in osteosarcoma. We assessed the clinical utility of this miRNA set and their association with methylation status. METHODS: We integrated coding and non-coding RNA data from three independent annotated clinical osteosarcoma cohorts (n = 65, n = 27, and n = 25) and miRNA and methylation data from one in vitro (19 cell lines) and one clinical (NCI Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments (TARGET) osteosarcoma dataset, n = 80) dataset. We used time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (tdROC) analysis to evaluate the clinical value of candidate miRNA profiles and machine learning approaches to compare the coding and non-coding transcriptional programs of high- and low-risk osteosarcoma tumors and high- versus low-aggressiveness cell lines. In the cell line and TARGET datasets, we also studied the methylation patterns of the MEG3 imprinting control region on 14q32 and their association with miRNA expression and tumor aggressiveness. RESULTS: In the tdROC analysis, miRNA sets on 14q32 showed strong discriminatory power for recurrence and survival in the three clinical datasets. High- or low-risk tumor classification was robust to using different microRNA sets or classification methods. Machine learning approaches showed that genome-wide miRNA profiles and miRNA regulatory networks were quite different between the two outcome groups and mRNA profiles categorized the samples in a manner concordant with the miRNAs, suggesting potential molecular subtypes. Further, miRNA expression patterns were reproducible in comparing high-aggressiveness versus low-aggressiveness cell lines. Methylation patterns in the MEG3 differentially methylated region (DMR) also distinguished high-aggressiveness from low-aggressiveness cell lines and were associated with expression of several 14q32 miRNAs in both the cell lines and the large TARGET clinical dataset. Within the limits of available CpG array coverage, we observed a potential methylation-sensitive regulation of the non-coding RNA cluster by CTCF, a known enhancer-blocking factor. CONCLUSIONS: Loss of imprinting/methylation changes in the 14q32 non-coding region defines reproducible previously unrecognized osteosarcoma subtypes with distinct transcriptional programs and biologic and clinical behavior. Future studies will define the precise relationship between 14q32 imprinting, non-coding RNA expression, genomic enhancer binding, and tumor aggressiveness, with possible therapeutic implications for both early- and advanced-stage patients.

Variants of the ADRB2 Gene in COPD: Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses of Disease Risk and Treatment Response.

The ß2-adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) is an important regulator of airway smooth muscle tone in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Variants that impair ADRB2 function could increase disease risk or reduce the response to endogenous and inhaled adrenergic agonists in COPD. We performed a systematic review and three meta-analyses to assess whether three functional variants (Thr164Ile, Arg16Gly, and Gln27Glu) in the ADRB2 gene are associated with elevated risk of disease or reduced therapeutic response to inhaled ß2-agonists in COPD. We searched the medical literature from 1966 to 2017 and found 16 relevant studies comprising 85381 study subjects. The meta-analyses found no significant association between ADRB2 genotype and COPD risk. The summary odds ratios (ORs) for COPD in Thr164Ile homozygotes and heterozygotes were 2.57 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.54-12.4) and 1.17 (95% CI: 0.96-1.44), respectively. Corresponding summary ORs for COPD in Arg16Gly homozygotes and heterozygotes were 0.97 (95% CI: 0.76-1.22) and 1.01 (95% CI: 0.81-1.26), while summary ORs for COPD in Gln27Glu homozygotes and heterozygotes were 1.00 (95% CI: 0.80-1.25) and 0.94 (95% CI: 0.69-1.24), respectively. When stratified by ethnicity, the summary ORs for COPD did not differ from 1.0 for any of the ADRB2 variants among Asian, Caucasian, or African populations. We found no consistent associations between ADRB2 genotype and treatment response to inhaled ß2-agonists in COPD. This systematic review and meta-analyses found that COPD risk and response to inhaled ß2-agonists were not associated with Thr164Ile, Arg16Gly, and Gln27Glu genotypes. However, identified cases of Thr164Ile were few, and additional studies of rare ADRB2 genotypes are required.

The transcription factor ERG increases expression of neurotransmitter receptors on prostate cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: The TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusion occurs in about half of prostate cancer (PCa) cases and results in overexpression of the transcription factor ERG. Overexpression of ERG has many effects on cellular function. However, how these changes enhance cell growth and promote tumor development is unclear. METHODS: To investigate the role of ERG, LNCaP and PC3 cells were transfected with ERG and gene expression and metabolic profile were analyzed. RESULTS: Our data show that expression of ERG induces overexpression of many nicotinicacetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). In addition, metabolic profiling by LC-MS/MS revealed elevated production of several neurotransmitters in cells expressing ERG. Consistently, treatment of ERG-expressing cells with nicotine induced elevated calcium influx, GSK3ß (Ser9) phosphorylation and cell proliferation. Finally, we show that PCa patientswho are smokers have larger tumors if their tumors are TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusion positive. CONCLUSION: Collectively, our data suggest that ERG sensitizes prostate tumor cells to neurotransmitter receptor agonists like nicotine.

NAD+ protects against EAE by regulating CD4+ T-cell differentiation.

CD4(+) T cells are involved in the development of autoimmunity, including multiple sclerosis (MS). Here we show that nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD(+)) blocks experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a mouse model of MS, by inducing immune homeostasis through CD4(+)IFNγ(+)IL-10(+) T cells and reverses disease progression by restoring tissue integrity via remyelination and neuroregeneration. We show that NAD(+) regulates CD4(+) T-cell differentiation through tryptophan hydroxylase-1 (Tph1), independently of well-established transcription factors. In the presence of NAD(+), the frequency of T-bet(-/-) CD4(+)IFNγ(+) T cells was twofold higher than wild-type CD4(+) T cells cultured in conventional T helper 1 polarizing conditions. Our findings unravel a new pathway orchestrating CD4(+) T-cell differentiation and demonstrate that NAD(+) may serve as a powerful therapeutic agent for the treatment of autoimmune and other diseases.

The scavenger receptor MARCO modulates TLR-induced responses in dendritic cells.

The scavenger receptor MARCO mediates macrophage recognition and clearance of pathogens and their polyanionic ligands. However, recent studies demonstrate MARCO expression and function in dendritic cells, suggesting MARCO might serve to bridge innate and adaptive immunity. To gain additional insight into the role of MARCO in dendritic cell activation and function, we profiled transcriptomes of mouse splenic dendritic cells obtained from MARCO deficient mice and their wild type counterparts under resting and activating conditions. In silico analysis uncovered major alterations in gene expression in MARCO deficient dendritic cells resulting in dramatic alterations in key dendritic cell-specific pathways and functions. Specifically, changes in CD209, FCGR4 and Complement factors can have major consequences on DC-mediated innate responses. Notably, these perturbations were magnified following activation with the TLR-4 agonist lipopolysaccharide. To validate our in silico data, we challenged DC's with various agonists that recognize all mouse TLRs and assessed expression of a set of immune and inflammatory marker genes. This approach identified a differential contribution of MARCO to TLR activation and validated a major role for MARCO in mounting an inflammatory response. Together, our data demonstrate that MARCO differentially affects TLR-induced DC activation and suggest targeting of MARCO could lead to different outcomes that depend on the inflammatory context encountered by DC.

Androgens alter T-cell immunity by inhibiting T-helper 1 differentiation.

The hormonal milieu influences immune tolerance and the immune response against viruses and cancer, but the direct effect of androgens on cellular immunity remains largely uncharacterized. We therefore sought to evaluate the effect of androgens on murine and human T cells in vivo and in vitro. We found that murine androgen deprivation in vivo elicited RNA expression patterns conducive to IFN signaling and T-cell differentiation. Interrogation of mechanism showed that testosterone regulates T-helper 1 (Th1) differentiation by inhibiting IL-12-induced Stat4 phosphorylation: in murine models, we determined that androgen receptor binds a conserved region within the phosphatase, Ptpn1, and consequent up-regulation of Ptpn1 then inhibits IL-12 signaling in CD4 T cells. The clinical relevance of this mechanism, whereby the androgen milieu modulates CD4 T-cell differentiation, was ascertained as we found that androgen deprivation reduced expression of Ptpn1 in CD4 cells from patients undergoing androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer. Our findings, which demonstrate a clinically relevant mechanism by which androgens inhibit Th1 differentiation of CD4 T cells, provide rationale for targeting androgens to enhance CD4-mediated immune responses in cancer or, conversely, for modulating androgens to mitigate CD4 responses in disorders of autoimmunity.

Immunization with a peptide containing MHC class I and II epitopes derived from the tumor antigen SIM2 induces an effective CD4 and CD8 T-cell response.

Here, we sought to determine whether peptide vaccines designed harbor both class I as well as class II restricted antigenic motifs could concurrently induce CD4 and CD8 T cell activation against autologous tumor antigens. Based on our prior genome-wide interrogation of human prostate cancer tissues to identify genes over-expressed in cancer and absent in the periphery, we targeted SIM2 as a prototype autologous tumor antigen for these studies. Using humanized transgenic mice we found that the 9aa HLA-A*0201 epitope, SIM2(237-245), was effective at inducing an antigen specific response against SIM2-expressing prostate cancer cell line, PC3. Immunization with a multi-epitope peptide harboring both MHC-I and MHC-II restricted epitopes induced an IFN-γ response in CD8 T cells to the HLA-A*0201-restricted SIM2(237-245) epitope, and an IL-2 response by CD4 T cells to the SIM2(240-254) epitope. This peptide was also effective at inducing CD8+ T-cells that responded specifically to SIM2-expressing tumor cells. Collectively, the data presented in this study suggest that a single peptide containing multiple SIM2 epitopes can be used to induce both a CD4 and CD8 T cell response, providing a peptide-based vaccine formulation for potential use in immunotherapy of various cancers.

Analysis of host gene expression changes reveals distinct roles for the cytoplasmic domain of the Epstein-Barr virus receptor/CD21 in B-cell maturation, activation, and initiation of virus infection.

UNLABELLED: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) attachment to human CD21 on the B-cell surface initiates infection. Whether CD21 is a simple tether or conveys vital information to the cell interior for production of host factors that promote infection of primary B cells is controversial, as the cytoplasmic fragment of CD21 is short, though highly conserved. The ubiquity of CD21 on normal B cells, the diversity of this population, and the well-known resistance of primary B cells to gene transfer technologies have all impeded resolution of this question. To uncover the role(s) of the CD21 cytoplasmic domain during infection initiation, the full-length receptor (CD21=CR), a mutant lacking the entire cytoplasmic tail (CT), and a control vector (NEO) were stably expressed in two pre-B-cell lines that lack endogenous receptor. Genome-wide transcriptional analysis demonstrated that stable CD21 surface expression alone (either CR or CT) produced multiple independent changes in gene expression, though both dramatically decreased class I melanoma-associated antigen (MAGE) family RNAs and upregulated genes associated with B-cell differentiation (e.g., C2TA, HLA-II, IL21R, MIC2, CD48, and PTPRCAP/CD45-associated protein). Temporal analysis spanning 72 h revealed that not only CR- but also CT-expressing lines initiated latency. In spite of this, the number and spectrum of transcripts altered in CR- compared with CT-bearing lines at 1 h after infection further diverged. Differential modulation of immediate early cellular transcripts (e.g., c-Jun and multiple histones), both novel and previously linked to CD21-initiated signaling, as well as distinct results from pathway analyses support a separate role for the cytoplasmic domain in initiation of intracellular signals. IMPORTANCE: Membrane proteins that mediate virus attachment tether virus particles to the cell surface, initiating infection. In addition, upon virus interaction such proteins may transmit signals to the interior of the cell that support subsequent steps in the infection process. Here we show that expression of the Epstein-Barr virus B-cell attachment receptor, CD21, in B cells that lack this receptor results in significant changes in gene expression, both before and rapidly following EBV-CD21 interaction. These changes translate into major signaling pathway alterations that are predicted to support stable infection.

Is the scavenger receptor MARCO a new immune checkpoint?

Whereas macrophages use the scavenger receptor MARCO primarily in antimicrobial immunity by interacting with both exogenous and endogenous environments, in dendritic cells (DCs) MARCO is believed to pleiotropically link innate to adaptive immunity. MARCO exerts a significant modulatory effect on TLR-induced DC activation, thus offering novel avenues in cancer immunotherapy.

New insights into androgenic immune regulation.

Androgens negatively affect both central and peripheral immunity. Their potent immunosuppressive ability is thought to lead to gender dimorphism in autoimmune and infectious disease and hamper immunosurveillance of tumors. Therefore, we investigated the molecular underpinnings of androgens suppression of T-cell differentiation and found evidence that developing strategies to counteract these inhibitory effects may foster successful cancer immunotherapy in the future.

Development of a peptide-based vaccine targeting TMPRSS2:ERG fusion-positive prostate cancer.

Identification of novel vaccine targets is critical for the design and advancement of prostate cancer (PCa) immunotherapy. Ideal targets are proteins that are abundant in prostate tumors while absent in extra-prostatic tissues. The fusion of the androgen-regulated TMPRSS2 gene with the ETS transcription factor ERG occurs in approximately 50 % of prostate cancer cases and results in aberrant ERG expression. Because expression of ERG is very low in peripheral tissue, we evaluated the suitability of this protein as an antigen target in PCa vaccines. ERG-derived HLA-A*0201-restricted immunogenic epitopes were identified through a 3-step strategy that included in silico, in vitro, and in vivo validation. Algorithms were used to predict potential HLA-A*0201-binding epitopes. High-scoring epitopes were tested for binding to HLA-A*0201 using the T2-based stabilization assay in vitro. Five peptides were found to bind HLA-A*0201 and were subsequently tested for immunogenicity in humanized, HLA-A*0201 transgenic mice. The in vivo screening identified three immunogenic peptides. One of these peptides, ERG295, overcame peripheral tolerance in HLA-A*0201 mice that expressed prostate-restricted ERG. Also, this peptide induced an antigen-specific response against ERG-expressing human prostate tumor cells. Finally, tetramer assay showed detectable and responsive ERG295-specific cytotoxic lymphocytes in peripheral blood of HLA-A*0201(+) prostate cancer patients. Detection of ERG-specific CTLs in both mice and the blood of prostate cancer patients indicates that ERG-specific tolerance can be overcome. Additionally, these data suggest that ERG is a suitable target antigen for PCa immunotherapy.

The role of the transcription factor SIM2 in prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Recent reports have suggested a possible involvement of Single-minded homolog 2 (SIM2) in human solid cancers, including prostate cancer. However, the exact role of SIM2 in cancer in general, and in prostate cancer in particular, remains largely unknown. This study was designed to elucidate the role of SIM2 in prostate cancer using a shRNA-based approach in the PC3 prostate cancer cell line. METHODS: Lentiviral shRNAs were used to inhibit SIM2 gene and protein levels in PC3 cells. Quantitative RT-PCR and branched DNA were performed to evaluate transcript expression. SIM2 protein expression level was measured by western blot. Profiling of gene expression spanning the whole genome, as well as polar metabolomics of several major metabolic pathways was performed to identify major pathway dysregulations. RESULTS: SIM2 gene and protein products were significantly downregulated by lenti-shRNA in PC3 cell line. This low expression of SIM2 affected gene expression profile, revealing significant changes in major signaling pathways, networks and functions. In addition, major metabolic pathways were affected. CONCLUSION: Taken together, our results suggest an involvement of SIM2 in key traits of prostate tumor cell biology and might underlie a contribution of this transcription factor to prostate cancer onset and progression.

Androgen ablation augments human HLA2.1-restricted T cell responses to PSA self-antigen in transgenic mice.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in targeting human prostate tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) for prostate cancer immunotherapy as an alternative to other therapeutic modalities. However, immunologic tolerance to TAA poses a significant obstacle to effective, TAA-targeted immunotherapy. We sought to investigate whether androgen deprivation would result in circumventing immune tolerance to prostate TAA by impacting CD8 cell responses. METHODS: To this end, we generated a transgenic mouse that expresses the human prostate-specific antigen (PSA) specifically in the prostate, and crossed it to the HLA-A2.1 transgenic mouse to evaluate how androgen deprivation affects human HLA A2.1-resticted T cell responses following immunization of PSA-expressing mice by vaccinia-PSA (PROSTVAC). RESULTS: Our PSA transgenic mouse showed restricted expression of PSA in the prostate and detectable circulating PSA levels. Additionally, PSA expression was androgen-dependent with reduced PSA expression in the prostate within 1 week of castration, and undetectable PSA by day 42 after castration as evaluated by ELISA. Castration of the PSA/A2.1 hybrid mouse prior to immunization with a PSA-expressing recombinant vaccinia virus resulted in a significant augmentation of PSA-specific cytotoxic lymphocytes. CONCLUSIONS: This humanized hybrid mouse model provides a well-defined system to gain additional insight into the mechanisms of immune tolerance to PSA and to test novel strategies aiming at circumventing immune tolerance to PSA and other TAA for targeted prostate cancer immunotherapy.

A safety-modified SV40 Tag developed for human cancer immunotherapy.

Simian virus 40 (SV40)-like DNA sequences have been found in a variety of human tumors, raising the possibility that strategies targeting SV40 may provide a potential avenue for immunotherapy directed against SV40 large T Antigen (Tag)-expressing tumors. We generated a recombinant vaccinia (vac-mTag) expressing mTag and herein assessed the ability of mTag to transform cells and to interact with anti-oncoproteins, as well as screened for the presence of potential HLA-A2.1-restricted epitopes within mTag. We found that transfection of cells with mTag did not lead to their transformation. Also, we demonstrated that mTag protein is degraded rapidly in cells. In addition, our work revealed that mTag did not physically interact with certain anti-oncoproteins. Finally, two potential HLA-A2.1-restricted functional epitopes within mTag sequence were identified. Our results show that mTag lacks the oncogenicity of full-length Tag and harbors potential HLA-A2.1-restricted immunogenic epitopes, hence suggesting the safety of vac-mTag for use in cancer immunotherapy.

Haptoglobin deficiency facilitates the development of autoimmune inflammation.

Haptoglobin (HP) is an acute phase protein synthesized by liver cells in response to IL-6. HP has been demonstrated to modulate the immune response and to have anti-inflammatory activities. To analyze HP's effect on autoimmune inflammation, we here studied the course of EAE induced by immunization of Hp knockout (Hp(-/-)) and syngeneic WT mice with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide (MOG(35-55)). Hp(-/-)mice suffered from a more severe disease that was associated with increased expression of IL-17A, IL-6, and IFN-gamma mRNA in the CNS and with a denser cellular infiltrate in the spinal cord. During the recovery phase, a significantly higher number of myeloid DC, CD8+ cells, IL-17+ CD4+ and IFN-gamma+ CD4+ cells persisted in the CNS of Hp(-/-) mice. Absence of HP affected the priming and differentiation of T cells after MOG(35-55) immunization, as levels of Th2 cytokines produced in response to MOG stimulation by Hp(-/-) T cells were reduced. These results suggest that HP plays a modulatory and protective role on autoimmune inflammation of the CNS.

Identification of the transcription factor single-minded homologue 2 as a potential biomarker and immunotherapy target in prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: Identification of novel biomarkers and immunotherapy targets for prostate cancer (PCa) is crucial to better diagnosis and therapy. We sought to identify novel PCa tumor-associated antigens (TAA) that are expressed in PCa, absent in nonprostate human tissue, and immunogenic for immune responses restricted by human HLA. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND RESULTS: Using microarray analysis of normal and cancerous human prostate tissues, we identified 1,063 genes overexpressed in PCa. After validating 195 transcripts in publicly available array data sets, we interrogated expression of these TAAs in normal human tissues to identify genes that are not expressed at detectable levels in normal, nonprostate adult human tissue. We identified 23 PCa TAA candidates. Real-time PCR confirmed that 15 of these genes were overexpressed in PCa (P< 0.05 for each). The most frequently overexpressed gene, single-minded homologue 2 (SIM2), was selected for further evaluation as a potential target for immunotherapy. ELISA assay revealed that a fraction of PCa patients exhibited immune responsiveness to SIM2 as evidenced by the presence of autoantibodies to SIM2 in their sera. We next showed binding of putative HLA-A2.1-restricted SIM2 epitopes to human A2.1, and immunization of transgenic HLA-A2.1 mice showed induction of SIM2-specific CTL responses in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings that SIM2 is selectively expressed in PCa, that human HLA-A2.1-restricted SIM2 epitopes induce specific T cells in vivo, and that anti-SIM2 antibodies are detectable in PCa patients' sera implicate SIM2 as a PCa-associated antigen that is a suitable potential target for PCa immunotherapy.