SEREX ; discovery of tumor antigens

The identification of tumor antigens is essential for the development of anticancer therapeutic vaccines and clinical diagnosis of cancer. SEREX (serological analysis of recombinant cDNA expression library) has been used to identify such tumor antigens by screening sera of cancer patients with cDNA expression libraries. SEREX-defined antigens provide markers for the diagnosis of cancers. SEREX is also a powerful method for the development of anticancer therapeutics. The development of anticancer vaccines requires that tumor antigens can elicit antigen-specific antibodies or T lymphocytes. This review provides information on the application of SEREX for discovery of tumor antigens.