Long lasting p53-specific T cell memory responses in the absence of anti-p53 antibodies in patients with resected primary colorectal cancer

Colorectal carcinoma is commonly associated with mutation and overexpressio n of p53, making this antigen a potential target for immune intervention. W e analyzed humoral and proliferative immunity against p53 in the blood of p atients with resected primary colorectal cancer. The majority of these pati ents displayed anti-p53 T helper (Th) immunity in the absence of measurable p53 specific antibody levels. The Th responses were long-lasting since the y could be detected up to several years after resection of the primary tumo r. in a number of cases the Th responses were highly sensitive, reflected b y the recognition of naturally processed p53 protein. Our data argue that b oosting of these responses in patients with minimal residual disease throug h p53-specific vaccination, may be employed for improving the chance of dis ease-free survival of these patients.