Tyrosinase: Overview

Abstract

Tyrosinase is the key enzyme of the melanin pigment production pathway in both normal melanocytes and malignant melanoma cells. The expression of tyrosinase in metastatic melanoma is more common and homogenous, as compared to other melanocyte/melanoma differentiation proteins. Therefore, several studies have indicated the clinical benefit of detecting tyrosinase in peripheral circulation and regional lymph nodes. Importantly, tyrosinase has been found to elicit cellular and humoral immune responses in patients with malignant melanoma. Accordingly, efforts have been made to develop immunotherapeutic strategies using tyrosinase peptides and/or protein. In summary, tyrosinase can provide an attractive target for the immunotherapy of malignant melanoma.