Transporter (TAP)- and proteasome-independent presentation of a melanoma-associated tyrosinase epitope.

The melanosomal protein tyrosinase is considered as a target of specific immunotherapy against melanoma. Two tyrosinase-derived peptides are presented in association with HLA-A2.1 [Wolfel et al., Eur. J. Immunol., 24, 759-764 (1994)]. Peptide 1-9 (MLLAVLYCL) is generated from the putative signal sequence. The internal peptide 369-377 is posttranslationally converted at residue 371, and its presentation is dependent on functional TAP transporters and proteasomes [Mosse et al., J. exp. Med.187, 37-48 (1998)]. Herein, we report on the processing and transport requirements for the signal sequence-derived peptide 1-9 that were studied in parallel to those for peptide 369-377. After infection of …