MAGEA4 (230-239) Light – Other Categories

Melanoma-associated antigen As (MAGEA) are a large family of tumour-associated antigens and a subclass of the larger family of cancer testis antigens (CTAs). These proteins are tumour antigens expressed in a variety of malignant tumours including: bladder- lung- skin and breast malignancies. In healthy tissue however their expression is restricted to germ cells of the testis, nervous system, foetal ovaries and placenta. In cancer cells, the MAGEA family proteins support growth, survival and metastasis, and contribute actively to malignancy. They are also involved in the regulation of the tumour suppressor protein p53 pathway and in regulating ubiquitin signalling in cancer cells. MAGEA expression is linked to poor prognosis in cancer patients. MAGEA subfamily proteins are recognized by cytotoxic T lymphocytes and evoke a strong T cell reactivity against autologous tumour cells in culture.