The signal peptide of the tumor-shared antigen midkine hosts CD4 + T cell epitopes

Abstract

Background: The CD4 T cell response to the tumor antigen Midkine was unknown. Results: Most of the T cell response to Midkine relies on T cell epitopes contained in its signal peptide. Conclusion: The signal peptide of Midkine is accessible to HLA class II pathway for CD4 T cell presentation. Significance: It is a new function for signal peptides to contribute to tumor-specific CD4 T cell response. Copyright © 2013 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.