| abstract |
Tapasin (Tpn) is a member of the MHC Class I loading complex and functions to bridge the TAP peptide transporter to MHC Class I molecules. Metastatic human carcinomas express low levels of the antigen processing components (APCs) tapasin and TAP, and display few functional surface MHC Class I molecules. As a result, carcinomas are often unrecognizable by effector cytolytic T cells (CTLs). Tpn alone can enhance survival and immunity of mammals against tumors, but additionally, Tpn and TAP can be used together as components of immunotherapeutic vaccine protocols to eradicate tumors. |