Expression of SART-1 mRNA in canine squamous cell carcinomas

Abstract

SART-1, a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) antigen recognized by cytotoxic T lymphocytes, has been useful in human cancer therapy. The SART-1259 peptide is a potential candidate for vaccine. The present study examined an orthologue of the mRNA coding this peptide in canine SCCs. Specimens were obtained from seven canine patients with SCC, and the mRNA was isolated from the samples. The SART-1 and beta-actin genes were amplified by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, using the isolated mRNA as a template. Canine SART-1 was amplified in six of the seven specimens, while beta-actin was detected in all the samples. In dogs, carcinomas expressing SART-1 could be a target for cytotoxic T lymphocyte mediated immunotherapy.