Isolated Nucleic Acid Molecules Coding for Tumor Rejection Antigen Precursor Dage and Uses Thereof.

This invention relates to nucleic acid molecules which code for a tumor rejection antigen precursor. More particularly, the invention concerns genes, whose tumor rejection antigen precursor is processed, inter alia, into at least one tumor rejection antigen that is presented by HLA-A24 molecules. The tumor rejection antigen precursor, or "TRAP", may be processed into additional peptides presented by other MHC molecules, such as HLA-A1 and its alleles, HLA-A2, HLA-Cw*1601, HLA-B44, and so forth. The genes in question do not appear to be related to other known tumor rejection antigen precursor coding sequences, are expressed on a variety of tumors and, with the exception of testis cells, are not expressed by normal cells.

The process by which the mammalian immune system recognizes and reacts to foreign or alien materials is a complex one. An important facet of the system is the T lymphocyte, or "T cell" response. This response requires that T cells recognize and interact with complexes of cell surface molecules, referred to as human leukocyte antigens ("HLAs"), or major histocompatibility complexes ("MHCs"), and peptides. The peptides are derived from larger molecules which are processed by the cells which also present the HLA/MHC molecule. See in this regard Male et al., Advanced Immunology (J.P. Lipincott Company, 1987), especially chapters 6-10. The interaction of T cells and HLA/peptide complexes is restricted, requiring a T cell specific for a particular combination of an HLA molecule and a peptide. If a specific T cell is not present, there is no T cell response even if its partner complex is present. Similarly, there is no response if the specific complex is absent, but the T cell is present. This mechanism is involved in the immune system's response to foreign materials, in autoimmune pathologies, and in responses to cellular abnormalities. Much work has focused on the mechanisms by which proteins are processed into the HLA binding peptides. See, in this regard, Barinaga, Science 257: 880 (1992); Fremont et al., Science 257: 919 (1992); Matsumura et al., Science 257: 927 (1992); Latron et al., Science 257: 964 (1992).

The mechanism by which T cells recognize cellular abnormalities has also been implicated in cancer. For example, in PCT application PCT/US92/04354, filed May 22, 1992, published on Nov. 26, 1992, and incorporated by reference, a family of genes is disclosed, which are processed into peptides ,which, in turn, are expressed on cell surfaces, which can lead to lysis of the tumor cells by specific cytolytic T lymphocytes, or "CTLs" hereafter. The genes are said to code for "tumor rejection antigen precursors" or "TRAP" molecules, and the peptides derived therefrom are referred to as "tumor rejection antigens" or "TRAs". See Traversari et al., Immunogenetics 35: 145 (1992); van der Bruggen et al., Science 254: 1643 (1991), for further information on this family of genes. Also, see U.S. patent application Ser. No. 807,043, filed Dec. 12, 1991, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,774, incorporated by reference in its entirety. The "MAGE" family of tumor rejection antigen precursors is disclosed in this patent.

In U.S. patent application Ser. No. 938,334 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,405,940, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference, it is explained that the MAGE-1 gene codes for a tumor rejection antigen precursor which is processed to nonapeptides which are presented by the HLA-A1 molecule. The nonapeptides which bind to HLA-A1 follow a "rule" for binding in that a structural motif is satisfied. In this regard, see e.g. PCT/US93/07421; Falk et al., Nature 351: 290-296 (1991); Engelhard, Ann Rev. Immunol. 12: 181-207 (1994); Ruppert et al., Cell 74: 929-937 (1993); Rotzschke et al., Nature 348: 252-254 (1990); Bjorkman et al., Nature 329: 512-518 (1987); Traversari et al., J. Exp. Med. 176: 1453-1457 (1992). The references teach that given the known specificity of particular peptides for particular HLA molecules, one should expect a particular peptide to bind to one HLA molecule, but not to others. This is important, because different individuals possess different HLA phenotypes. As a result, while identification of a particular peptide as being a partner for a specific HLA molecule has diagnostic and therapeutic ramifications, these are only relevant for individuals with that particular HLA phenotype. There is a need for further work in the area, because cellular abnormalities are not restricted to one particular HLA phenotype, and targeted therapy requires some knowledge of the phenotype of the abnormal cells at issue.

In U.S. patent application Ser. No. 008,446, filed Jan. 22, 1993 and incorporated by reference, the fact that the MAGE-1 expression product is processed to a second TRA is disclosed. This second TRA is presented by HLA-Cw*1601 molecules. The disclosure shows that a given TRAP can yield a plurality of TRAs, each of which will satisfy a particular motif rule for binding to an MHC molecule.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 994,928, filed Dec. 22, 1992, and incorporated by reference herein teaches that tyrosinase, a molecule which is produced by some normal cells (e.g., melanocytes), is processed in tumor cells to yield peptides presented by HLA-A2 molecules.

In U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/032,978, filed Mar. 18, 1993, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,620,886 and incorporated by reference in its entirety, a second TRA, not derived from tyrosinase, is taught to be presented by HLA-A2 molecules. The TRA is derived from a TRAP, but is coded for by a non-MAGE gene. This disclosure shows that a particular HLA molecule may present TRAs derived from different sources.

In U.S. patent application Ser. No.08/079,110, filed Jun. 17, 1993, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,571,711 and incorporated by reference herein, an unrelated tumor rejection antigen precursor, the so-called "BAGE" precursor is described. The BAGE precursor is not related to the MAGE family.

In U.S. patent applications Ser. No. 08/096,039 and Ser. No. 08/250,162, both of which are incorporated by reference, TRAP precursor GAGE, also not related to MAGE, or to BAGE is disclosed.

The work which is presented by the papers, patent, and patent applications cited supra deals, in large part, with the MAGE family of genes, and the unrelated BAGE and GAGE genes. It has now been found, however, that additional tumor rejection antigen precursors are expressed by cells. These tumor rejection antigen precursors are referred to as "DAGE" tumor rejection antigen precursors. They do not show homology to the MAGE family of genes, the BAGE family of genes, or the GAGE family of genes. Thus the present invention relates to genes encoding such DAGE TRAPs, the tumor rejection antigen precursors themselves as well as applications of both.

What further characterizes the DAGE tumor rejection antigen precursors is that their expression by tumor cells is much more widespread than the other tumor rejection antigen precursors described previously. This is proven infra. Yet, the expression of the family by normal cells is again limited to testis cells. Thus, a much more general means of assaying for the presence of transformed cells is available than previously. This will be seen by way of the examples.

The invention is elaborated upon further in the disclosure which follows.

FIG. 1 describes, collectively, .sup.51 Cr release, cell lysis studies. In particular:

FIG. 1A shows lysis of cell line LB33-MEL.B-1;

FIG. 1B shows lysis of LB33 B cells transformed by EBV. These are autologous cells.

FIG. 1C shows lysis studies on NK target K562. In each of FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C the effector cells were from CTL clone LB33-CTL-269/17.

FIGS. 2A and 2B present studies on the inhibition of lysis by cytolytic T cells in the presence of an anti-HLA-A24 monoclonal antibody. Each study was carried out in the presence (FIG. 2B) or absence (FIG. 2A) of a 30 fold dilution of culture medium of a hybridoma producing the HLA-A24 specific monoclonal antibody.

FIG. 3 shows the results obtained in a TNF release assay using CTL 269/17. The stimulator cells were either LB33-MEL.B-1, COS, COS transfected with a cDNA sequence coding for HLA-A24, or COS transfected with both cDNA coding for HLA-A24, and cDNA coding for a tumor rejection antigen precursor in accordance with this invention.

Example 1

Melanoma cell line LB33-MEL.B was derived from a metastasis of patient LB33, using standard techniques. Tumor cells were then cloned by limiting dilution, resulting in clone LB33-MEL.B-1, used hereafter.

Samples containing mononuclear blood cells (which include lymphocytes) were taken from patient LB33. Samples of clone LB33-MEL.B-1 were contacted to the mononuclear blood cell samples. The mixtures were observed for lysis of the LB33-MEL.B-1 cells, this lysis indicating that cytolytic T cells ("CTLs") specific for a complex of peptide and HLA molecule presented by the cells were present in the sample.

The lysis assay employed was a chromium release assay following Herin et al., Int. J. Cancer 39:390-396 (1987), the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. The assay, however, is described herein. The target melanoma cells were grown in vitro. Prior to labelling, these cells were incubated for 48 hours, in the presence of 50 U/ml of IFN-.gamma. to increase the expression of HLA Class I molecules. The cells were then resuspended at 10.sup.7 cells/ml in DMEM, supplemented with 10 mM HEPES and 30% FCS (i.e. fetal calf serum), and incubated for 45 minutes at 37.degree. C. with 200 .mu.Ci/ml of Na(.sup.51 Cr)O.sub.4. Labelled cells were washed three times with DMEM, supplemented with 10 mM Hepes. These were then resuspended in DMEM supplemented with 10 mM Hepes and 10% FCS, after which 100 ul aliquots containing 10.sup.3 cells, were distributed into 96 well microplates. PBL containing samples were added in 100 ul of the same medium, and assays were carried out in duplicate. Plates were centrifuged for 4 minutes at 100 g, and incubated for four hours at 37.degree. C. in a 5.5% CO.sub.2 atmosphere.

Plates were centrifuged again, 100 ul aliquots of supernatant were collected and chromium release counted. Percentage of .sup.51 Cr release was calculated as follows: ##EQU1## where ER is observed, experimental .sup.51 Cr release, SR is spontaneous release measured by incubating 10.sup.3 labeled cells in 200 ul of medium alone, and MR is maximum release, obtained by adding 100 ul 0.3% Triton X-100.RTM. to target cells.

Those mononuclear blood cell samples which showed high CTL activity were expanded and cloned via limiting dilution, and were screened again, using the same methodology.

The same method was used to test target K562 cells. When EBV-B cells were used, the only change was the replacement of DMEM medium by Hank's medium, supplemented with 5% FCS.

These experiments led to isolation of CTL clone LB33-CTL-269/17 from patient LB33. As FIGS. 1A-1C indicate, this CTL clone lysed LB33-MEL.B-1 tumor cells, but not EBV transformed B cells of patient LB33, nor K562 cells. When the target cells were incubated with a monoclonal antibody specific to HLA-A24, lysis was inhibited, suggesting that any TRA peptide involved is presented by HLA-A24. FIGS. 2A and 2B show these results.

A second CTL clone, referred to as LB33-CTL-269/1, lysed LB33-MEL.B-1 but not EBV-B transformed B cells nor K562, thus suggesting that the same target antigen was recognized. Lysis by clone LB33-CTL-269/1 was also inhibited by the anti-HLA-A24 monoclonal antibody.

Example 2

Having identified the presenting MHC molecule as HLA-A24, studies were carried out to identify the coding sequence for the protein molecule, referred to hereafter as the "tumor rejection antigen precursor" or "TRAP" molecule which was the source of the presented peptide.

To do this, total RNA was isolated from cell line LB33-MEL.B-1. The mRNA was isolated using an oligo-dT binding kit, following well recognized techniques. Once the mRNA was secured, it was transcribed into cDNA, again using standard methodologies. The cDNA was then ligated to EcoRI adaptors and cloned into the EcoRI site of plasmid pcDNA-I/Amp, in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. The recombinant plasmids were then electroporated into DH5.alpha. E. coli (electroporation conditions: 1 pulse at 25 .mu.farads, 2500 V).

The transfected bacteria were selected with ampicillin (50 .mu.g/ml), and then divided into 400 pools of 100 clones each. Each pool represented about 50 different cDNAs, as analysis showed that all plasmids contained an insert and cloning was not directional. Each pool was amplified to saturation, and plasmid DNA was isolated via alkaline lysis, potassium acetate precipitation and phenol extraction, following Maniatis et al., in Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual (Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., 1982). Cesium gradient centrifugation was not used.

Example 3

The amplified plasmids were then transfected into eukaryotic cells. Samples of COS-7 cells were seeded, at 15,000 cells/well into tissue culture flat bottom microwells, in Dulbecco's modified Eagles Medium ("DMEM") supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum. The cells were incubated overnight at 37.degree. C., medium was removed and then replaced by 30 .mu.l/well of DMEM medium containing 10% Nu serum, 400 .mu.g/ml DEAE-dextran, 100 AM chloroquine, 100 ng of plasmid pcDNA-I/Amp-A24 and 100 ng of DNA of a pool of the cDNA library described supra. Plasmid pcDNA-I/Amp-A24 contains HLA-A24 cDNA from LB33-MEL.B, which was identified as allele HLA-A*2402. Following four hours of incubation at 37.degree. C., the medium was removed, and replaced by 50 .mu.l of PBS containing 10% DMSO. This medium was removed after two minutes and replaced by 200 .mu.l of DMEM supplemented with 10% of FCS.

Following this change in medium, COS cells were incubated for 48 hours at 37.degree. C. Medium was then discarded, and 2000 cells of described CTL clone 269/1 were added, in 100 .mu.l of Iscove's medium containing 10% pooled human serum. Supernatant was removed after 24 hours, and TNF content was determined in an assay on WEHI cells, as described by Traversari et al., Immunogenetics 35: 145-152 (1992), the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.

Of 400 pools tested, one was positive.

Example 4

The bacteria of the positive pool were subcloned. Plasmid DNA was extracted from 600 individual colonies, and cotransfected with pcDNA-I/Amp HLA-A24 into new samples of COS cells in the same manner as described supra, and the cells were again tested for stimulation of CTL 269/1. A positive clone was found, identified as "5E10".

The plasmid from the positive clone was removed, and sequenced following art known techniques.

The sequence contains the 1554 base pairs of SEQ ID NO: 1, and contains an open reading frame encoding 518 amino acids.

The 104 nucleotides at positions 1310-1413 were found to be identical to the first 104 base pairs of a 113 base pair sequence recorded in Genbank: L25344, HOMRBCESTC "Human (clone 17)" erythroleukemic expressed sequence tag (EST) MRNA fragment. No sequences were found which corresponded to the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, however.

Example 5

The information in SEQ ID NO: 1 was sufficient to permit analysis of gene expression via polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

The following primers were used:

5'-GCCTGCTGAAGGATGAGGCC-3'

5'-GGTGCTGCAGGAGACTCTGC-3'

These correspond to nucleotides 157-176, and 1328-1347 of SEQ ID NO: 1, respectively.

The PCR was carried out for 28 cycles, (1 cycle: 1 minute 94.degree. C., 2 minutes at 65.degree. C., 3 minutes at 72.degree. C.). In carrying out the PCR, 2.5 ul of CDNA template, prepared as described supra, was combined with 2.5 ul of 10.times. Dynazyme buffer, 0.25 ul of each dNTP (10 mM), 0.5 ul of each primer (20 mM), 0.5U Dynazyme (0.25 ul stock, 2 U/ml), and 18.5 ul water. There was expression over a number of varied tumor samples. With the exception of testis, there was absolutely no expression in normal tissues.

Example 6

A second assay was carried out, based upon TNF (tumor necrosis factor) release. In this assay, COS-7 cells (10,000 cells/microwell) were transfected with the plasmid pcDNAI/Amp carrying HLA-A24 cDNA, as described supra, or cotransfected with this plasmid and plasmid pcDNAI/Amp containing SEQ ID NO: 1, described supra. Twenty four hours after transfection, 3000 cells of CTL 269/17 were added to the transfectants. In a control, the same number of LB33-MEL.B-1 cells were used. The concentration of TNF released in the cell medium was measured after 24 hours, using TNF sensitive cell line WEHI-164c13.

The results are presented in FIG. 3. They show that TNF release by CTLs was provoked only with COS cells cotransfected with vectors expressing HLA-A24 and SEQ ID NO: 1. COS cells do not present HLA-A24 on their own, nor do they express the sequences of the invention. When cotransfected, however, they were able to provoke TNF release to a level nearly that of autologous cell line LB33-MEL.B-1.

The results, as set forth in FIG. 3, not only show that the material of SEQ ID NO: 1 does in fact code for a tumor rejection antigen precursor which stimulates CTLs when processed, it also shows that, as elaborated upon infra, one can assay for the presence of CTLs which are specific for tumor cells by using non-transformed cells, transfected with one or both of HLA-A24 and DAGE coding sequences, such that the resulting transfectant will express both HLA-A24 and DAGE.

The foregoing examples show the isolation of a nucleic acid molecule which codes for a tumor rejection antigen precursor. This "TRAP" coding molecule, however, is not homologous with any of the previously disclosed MAGE, BAGE or GAGE coding sequences described in the references set forth supra. Hence, one aspect of the invention is an isolated nucleic acid molecule having the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1, as well as those portions of SEQ ID NO: 1 which express TRAs presented by MHC molecules such as HLA-A24, and derived from DAGE. This sequence is not a MAGE, BAGE or GAGE coding sequence, as will be seen by comparing it to the sequence of any of these genes as described in the cited references. Also a part of the invention are those nucleic acid molecules which code for a non-MAGE, non-BAGE and non-MAGE tumor rejection antigen precursor but which hybridize to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 under stringent conditions. The term "stringent conditions" as used herein refers to parameters with which the art is familiar. More specifically, stringent conditions, as used herein, refers to hybridization in 1M NaCl, 1% SDS, and 10% dextran sulfate. This is followed by two washes of the filter at room temperature for 5 minutes, in 2.times.SSC, and one wash for 30 minutes in 2.times.SSC, 0.1% SDS. There are other conditions, reagents, and so forth which can be used, which result in the same or higher degree of stringency. The skilled artisan will be familiar with such conditions, and, thus, they are not given here.

The widespread distribution in the expression of this gene (7 out of 8 types of tumor were found to express it), shows that the isolated nucleic acid molecule can be used as a diagnostic probe to determine presence of transformed cells. The identification of melanoma was 100%, so on a very basic level, the isolated nucleic acid molecules may be used to determine whether or not melanoma is present. Note that there are many ways available to the skilled artisan to confirm that a tumor sample is a melanoma sample, and these need not be reiterated here. Further, the rate of success in identifying tumors is in accordance with nucleic acid based diagnostic methods for determining transformation of cells.

It will also be seen from the examples that the invention embraces the use of the sequences in expression vectors, which may be used to transform or to transfect host cells and cell lines, be these prokaryotic (e.g., E. coli), or eukaryotic (e.g., CHO or COS cells). The expression vectors require that the pertinent sequence, i.e., one of those described supra, be operably linked to a promoter. As it has been found that human leukocyte antigen HLA-A24 presents a tumor rejection antigen derived from these genes, the expression vector may also include a nucleic acid molecule coding for HLA-A24. In a situation where the vector contains both coding sequences, it can be used to transform or transfect a cell which does not normally express either one. The tumor rejection antigen precursor coding sequence may be used alone, when, e.g., the host cell already expresses HLA-A24. Of course, there is no limit on the particular host cell which can be used. The vectors which contain the two coding sequences may be used in HLA-A24 presenting cells if desired, and the gene for tumor rejection antigen precursor can be used in host cells which do not express HLA-A24. COS cells are especially preferred.

The invention also embraces so called expression kits, which allow the artisan to prepare a desired expression vector or vectors. Such expression kits include at least separate portions of each of the previously discussed coding sequences. Other components may be added, as desired, as long as the previously mentioned sequences, which are required, are included.

To distinguish the nucleic acid molecules and the TRAPs of the invention from the previously described MAGE, BAGE and GAGE materials, the invention shall be referred to as the DAGE family of genes and TRAPs. Hence, whenever "DAGE" is used herein, it refers to the tumor rejection antigen precursors coded for by the previously described sequences. "DAGE coding molecule" and similar terms, are used to describe the nucleic acid molecules themselves.

The invention as described herein has a number of uses, some of which are described herein. First, the invention permits the artisan to diagnose a disorder characterized by expression of the TRAP. These methods involve determining expression of the TRAP gene, and/or TRAs derived therefrom, such as a TRA presented by HLA-A24. In the former situation, such determinations can be carried out via any standard nucleic acid determination assay, including the polymerase chain reaction, or assaying with labelled hybridization probes. In the latter situation, assaying with binding partners for complexes of TRA and HLA, such as antibodies, is especially preferred. An alternate method for determination is a TNF or .sup.51 Cr release assay, of the types described supra.

The isolation of the TRAP gene also makes it possible to isolate the TRAP molecule itself, especially TRAP molecules containing the amino acid sequence coded for by SEQ ID NO: 1. These isolated molecules when presented as the TRA, or as complexes of TRA and HLA, such as HLA-A24, may be combined with materials such as adjuvants to produce vaccines useful in treating disorders characterized by expression of the TRAP molecule. In addition, vaccines can be prepared from cells which present the TRA/HLA complexes on their surface, such as non-proliferative cancer cells, non-proliferative transfectants, etcetera. In all cases where cells are used as a vaccine, these can be cells transfected with coding sequences for one or both of the components necessary to provide a CTL response, or be cells which express both molecules without transfection. Further, the TRAP molecule, its associated TRAs, as well as complexes of TRA and HLA, may be used to produce antibodies, using standard techniques well known to the art.

When "disorder" is used herein, it refers to any pathological condition where the tumor rejection antigen precursor is expressed. An example of such a disorder is cancer, melanoma in particular. Melanoma is well known as a cancer of pigment producing cells.

Therapeutic approaches based upon the disclosure are premised on a response by a subject's immune system, leading to lysis of TRA presenting cells, such as HLA-A24+ cells. One such approach is the administration of CTLs specific to the complex to a subject with abnormal cells of the phenotype at issue. It is within the skill of the artisan to develop such CTLs in vitro. Specifically, a sample of cells, such as blood cells, are contacted to a cell presenting the complex and capable of provoking a specific CTL to proliferate. The target cell can be a transfectant, such as a COS cell of the type described supra. These transfectants present the desired complex on their surface and, when combined with a CTL of interest, stimulate its proliferation. COS cells, such as those used herein are widely available, as are other suitable host cells.

To detail the therapeutic methodology, referred to as adoptive transfer (Greenberg, J. Immunol. 136(5): 1917 (1986); Riddel et al., Science 257: 238 (7-10-92); Lynch et al., Eur. J. Immunol. 21: 1403-1410 (1991); Kast et al., Cell 59: 603-614 (11-17-89)), cells presenting the desired complex are combined with CTLs leading to proliferation of the CTLs specific thereto. The proliferated CTLs are then administered to a subject with a cellular abnormality which is characterized by certain of the abnormal cells presenting the particular complex, where the complex contains the pertinent HLA molecule. The CTLs then lyse the abnormal cells, thereby achieving the desired therapeutic goal.

The foregoing therapy assumes that at least some of the subject's abnormal cells present the relevant HLA/TRA complex. This can be determined very easily, as the art is very familiar with methods for identifying cells which present a particular HLA molecule, as well as how to identify cells expressing DNA of the pertinent sequences, in this case a DAGE sequence. Once cells presenting the relevant complex are identified via the foregoing screening methodology, they can be combined with a sample from a patient, where the sample contains CTLs. If the cells presenting the complex are lysed by the mixed CTL sample, then it can be assumed that a DAGE derived, tumor rejection antigen is being presented, and the subject is an appropriate candidate for the therapeutic approaches set forth supra.

Adoptive transfer is not the only form of therapy that is available in accordance with the invention. CTLs can also be provoked in vivo, using a number of approaches. One approach, i.e., the use of non-proliferative cells expressing the complex, has been elaborated upon supra. The cells used in this approach may be those that normally express the complex, such as irradiated melanoma cells or cells transfected with one or both of the genes necessary for presentation of the complex. Chen et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 88: 110-114 (January, 1991) exemplifies this approach, showing the use of transfected cells expressing HPV E7 peptides in a therapeutic regime. Various cell types may be used. Similarly, vectors carrying one or both of the genes of interest may be used. Viral or bacterial vectors are especially preferred. In these systems, the gene of interest is carried by, e.g., a Vaccinia virus or the bacteria BCG, and the materials de facto "infect" host cells. The cells which result present the complex of interest, and are recognized by autologous CTLs, which then proliferate. A similar effect can be achieved by combining the tumor rejection antigen or the precursor itself with an adjuvant to facilitate incorporation into HLA-A24 presenting cells which then present the HLA/peptide complex of interest. The TRAP is processed to yield the peptide partner of the HLA molecule while the TRA is presented without the need for further processing.

Also a feature of this invention are isolated peptides derived from the DAGE TRAP which conform to the rules for presentation by MHC molecules. For example, in PCT application No. PCT/US93/07421, incorporated by reference herein, several motifs are described as being associated with different MHC molecules. These motifs, incorporated by reference herein, as well as those taught by, e.g. Falk et al., Nature 351: 290-296 (1991); Engelhard, Ann. Rev. Immunol 12: 181-207 (1994); Ruppert et al., Cell 74: 929-937 (1993); Rotzschke et al., Nature 348: 252-254 (1990); Bjorkman et al., Nature 329: 512-518 (1987) and Traversari et al., J. Exp. Med. 176: 1453-1457 (1992) all of which are incorporated by reference, serve as a basis for identifying appropriate peptides obtainable or derivable from the DAGE gene. These peptides may be used alone, or in mixtures, in another aspect of the invention, which is now described. Exemplary of these are the following. For HLA-A2, a binding motif is Xaa Leu Xaa Gly (Xaa).sub.n Leu (SEQ ID NO: 2) where n is 4 or 5. Amino acids 120-128 of SEQ ID NO: 1 correspond to this motif. A second motif for HLA-A2 replaces terminal Leu with Val (SEQ ID NO: 3), and amino acids 375-384 satisfy this motif. For HLA-A3, the motifs are Xaa Leu (Xaa).sub.6 (Lys or Tyr) (SEQ ID NO: 4 and SEQ ID NO: 5). Amino acids 48-56, 100-108, 138-146, 214-222, and 257-265 of SEQ ID NO: 1 well satisfy this motif. For HLA-A11, the motif (Xaa).sub.7 Lys Lys is known, and amino acids 169-178, 214-223, and 223-232 will satisfy it. For HLA-A24, the known motif is Xaa Tyr (Xaa).sub.6 Leu, and is satisfied by amino acids 274-282, and 467-475. For HLA-B7, the motif is Xaa Pro Arg (Xaa).sub.5 Leu, and amino acids 68-76 meet it. For HLA-B8, (Xaa).sub.2 Lys Xaa Lys (Xaa).sub.3 Leu (SEQ ID NO: 9) is the motif, satisfied by amino acids 176-184 and 218-226. For HLA-B44, motif Xaa Glu (Xaa).sub.3 Asp (Xaa).sub.2 Phe (SEQ ID NO: 10) is satisfied by amino acids 204-212. For HLA-Cw* 1601, the motif Xaa Ala (Xaa) .sub.6 Leu (SEQ ID NO: 11) is satisfied by amino acids 60-68, and 395-403.

The fact that a number of sequences are present which correspond to HLA motifs suggests what will be referred to herein as "cocktail" therapeutic and diagnostic uses. It is expected that in a typical CTL response to tumor cells, CTLs specific to more than one complex of peptide and HLA molecule will proliferate. For example, it may be the case that for HLA-A24 presenting cells, CTLs specific for HLA-A24 plus amino acid sequence 274-282, and CTLs specific for HLA-A24 and amino acid sequence 467-475 will proliferate. Thus, one can optimize the assay by using both peptides when attempting to identify CTLs. Similarly, the therapeutic methods might be optimized by using more than one HLA-A24 binding peptide.

It is well known that individuals are not "monovalent" for HLA molecules, as cells present more than one kind of HLA. Thus, one can maximize diagnostic and/or therapeutic by combining a number of peptides as described supra in a diagnostic assay to determine CTLs, or to treat patients in the therapies described supra.

Any concern as to false positives, is believed to be misplaced because, as noted supra, the nucleic acid molecules of the invention have been found to be expressed only in tumor cells, so the presence of CTLs to the HLA and the peptides must be considered de facto evidence of the presence, at some time in the past of the present existence of a cancerous or transformed condition. Thus, cocktails of the peptides of the invention can be prepared. Determination of the components of the mixture is not difficult, because all that is needed is one or more of the HLA types presented by the individual under consideration. HLA typing is a very standard technique, well known in the art; and well within the abilities and skill of the artisan.

It has been fairly well established that the blood of individuals afflicted with tumors frequently contains cytolytic T cells ("CTLs") against complexes of MHC molecules and presented peptides. See, e.g., Robbins et al., Canc. Res. 54: 3124-3126 (1994); Topolian et al., J. Immunol. 142: 3714-3725 (1989); Coulie et al., Int. J. Cancer 50: 289-297 (1992), all of which are incorporated by reference. Also, note Kawakami et al., J. Exp. Med. 180: 347-352 (1994); Hom et al., J. Immunother 10: 153-164 (1991), Darrow et al, J. Immunol. 142 (9): 3329-3335 (1989); Slovin et al., J. Immunol. 137(9): 3042-3048 (1986), all of which are incorporated by reference. These papers all establish the usefulness of a CTL proliferation assay to diagnose cancer. Expressed generally, one takes a peripheral blood lymphocyte (PBL) containing sample from a subject to be tested. Assuming that the patient does have a tumor, or the subject's cells have began to undergo transformation, CTLs which are specific to transformed cells with be contained in that sample. These CTLs can be stimulated to proliferate via contact with a target cell which presents complexes of a relevant MHC molecule and the peptide presented thereby. For example, as was shown, supra, DAGE derived tumor rejection antigens ("TRAs") are presented by HLA-A24 cells. Thus, by mixing the PBL containing sample with a target of HLA-A24 presenting cells and peptides which are derived from a TRAP and presented by HLA-A24, one can observe CTL proliferation, and thus diagnose for the presence of transformed cells. These cells can be cells which normally present the MHC molecule in question, but can also be cells transformed by an HLA coding sequence. The cells may be tumor cells, or normal cells. Various ways of determining CTL proliferation are known, including TNF release assays, and .sup.51 Cr release assays. Other methodologies are also available. Thus, one aspect of the invention involves mixing a target cell sample with a peptide or mix of peptides derived from a DAGE TRAP and presented by the MHC molecules of the target cell sample and with the PBLs of the subject under evaluation. The mixture is then tested for CTL proliferation.

The peptide or peptides may also be combined with one or more adjuvants which stimulate a more pronounced CTL response. Exemplary of such adjuvants are saponins and their derivatives, such as those disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 5,057,540 to Kensil et al., incorporated by reference or PCT application PCT/US92/03579 to Scott et al., also incorporated by reference. Of course, standard adjuvants, such as Freund's complete adjuvant, or Freund's incomplete adjuvant, may also be used. Other materials associated with enhancing T cell proliferation, such as cytokines, especially interleukins, such as IL-12, may also be added.

Other aspects of the invention will be clear to the skilled artisan and need not be repeated here.

The terms and expressions which have been employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, it being recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention.