Citrullinated glucose-regulated protein 78 is a candidate target for cancer immunotherapy

In this study we investigate the potential of targeting citrullinated GRP78 for cancer therapy. We select five peptides and show the identification CD4 T cell responses to one citrullinated GRP78 epitope that is restricted through HLA DP*0401 and HLA-DR*0101 alleles. This peptide is detected by mass spectrometry in B16 melanoma grown in vivo and citrulline specific CD4 responses to this epitope mediate efficient therapy of established B16 melanoma tumours in HHDII/DP4 transgenic mouse model. We demonstrate the existence of a repertoire of responses to the citrullinated GRP78 peptide in healthy individuals.