Identification of specific immune responses in monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance with therapeutic implications

8103 Background: Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a benign condition with only 30% patients developing symptomatic multiple myeloma (MM). The events leading to the transformation from MGUS to MM remain unclear, however several evidences have supported the idea that immune surveillance play a role in preventing progression. Therefore, identification of antigenic targets with immune response in MGUS may provide insight into disease biology and immune-based therapeutic applications. Methods: Using the Serological identification of antigen by Recombinant Expression cloning (SEREX) technique, we have screened a MM cDNA library with 3 MGUS patients sera. Results: We have identified 11 gene products with an antibody response in MGUS. The response appeared to be directed against intracellular proteins involved in apoptosis (SON, Hip1), DNA and RNA binding proteins (KIAA0530, GPATC4), signal transduction regulators (AKAP11), developmental proteins (OFD1), transcriptional co-repressors (...