EXPRESSION OF MAGE, GP100 AND TYROSINASE GENES IN UVEAL MELANOMA CELL-LINES

In order to determine the possible use of uveal melanoma cell lines as stimulators in immunotherapy, we evaluated the expression of the huma n genes for MAGE-1, -2 and -3, gp100 and tyrosinase in uveal melanoma cell lines. mRNA expression of the MAGE-1, -2 and -3, gp100 and tyrosi nase genes and the HLA class I specificity were determined in five pri mary and three metastatic uveal melanoma cell lines. Expression of the examined genes was heterogeneous in the primary and metastatic cell l ines. The cell lines OCM-1 and OMM-1 expressed MAGE-1, -2 and -3, wher eas EOM-3, MEL202, 92-1 and OMM-3 were negative for these antigens. gp 100 was expressed in all cell lines, and tyrosinase in all but three ( EOM-29, OMM-2 and OMM-3). Except for EOM-3, the HLA-A type of all the cell lines could be determined by complement-dependent microlymphocyto toxicity assay. Since at least two melanoma-associated antigens can be found in uveal melanoma cell lines, as well as the HLA class I molecu les, these cell lines may be applicable as immunogens for specific imm unotherapy against metastatic uveal melanoma. (C) 1998 Rapid Science L td.