Identification of AKAP‐4 as a new cancer/testis antigen for detection and immunotherapy of prostate cancer

Abstract

We demonstrate the aberrant expression of AKAP-4 in PC, which will potentially be developed as a biomarker in PC. We provide evidence that AKAP-4 is a potential target for PC adoptive immunotherapy or anti-tumor vaccination.

A novel cancer testis antigen target A-kinase anchor protein (AKAP4) for the early diagnosis and immunotherapy of colon cancer

“…We have shown earlier that AKAP4 has been documented to be upregulated in breast cancer patients (85%), 12 epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) patients (89%), 13 and cervix cancer patients (86%). 14 Moreover, other laboratories have also confirmed AKAP4 protein expression in 65% prostate cancer patients, 16 25% NSCLC patients, 17 and 42% multiple myeloma patients. 15 Thus, AKAP4 expression in CRC patients may be a potential target molecule for immunotherapy.…”

“…14 None of the previous studies have reported humoral response against AKAP4 in CRC patients. Earlier, other investigations have shown humoral response against AKAP4 in small sample size patients, [6 of 19 (32%) in multiple myeloma, 15 10 of 15 (66%) in prostate cancer, 16 and 4 of 17 (23%) in NSCLC. 17 Thus, the present study has put forth an evidence that AKAP4 is highly immunogenic and generates immune response.…”

“…It is interesting to note that AKAP4 gene expression was significantly associated (p < 0.026) with late stages (III and IV) of CRC patients indicating its potential role in aggressive behavior of the tumor. However, recent report on AKAP4 gene expression in other cancers has revealed only 42% in multiple myeloma, 15 65% in prostate cancer, 16 and 25% in NSCLC. 17 It is important to note that AKAP4 protein expression validation was documented in all the AKAP4 mRNA positive tumor specimens in CRC and other cancers.…”

“…AKAP4, a new member of CT antigen protein family, is expressed exclusively in male germ cells during spermatogenesis. 11 However, AKAP4 expression has also been demonstrated in various malignancies such as breast cancer, 12 epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), 13 cervix cancer, 14 multiple myeloma, 15 prostate cancer, 16 and non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). 17 Owing to its expression in cancerous tissues and its potent immunogenicity, AKAP4 is considered as a promising biomarker and immunotherapeutic candidate.…”

Pharmacological Interference With Protein-protein Interactions of Akinase Anchoring Proteins as a Strategy for the Treatment of Disease

“…AKAP4 is aberrantly expressed in various malignant tissues [137]. Its expression triggers humoral immune responses in ovarian cancer and is associated with malignant properties of cervical, breast and prostate cancer [138]. AKAP4 is currently analyzed as a potential target for cervical cancer immunotherapy [139,140].…”