Split T-cell tolerance as a guide for the development of tumor antigen-specific immunotherapy

Tumor antigens NY-ESO-1 and p53 both frequently induce spontaneous serum antibody in cancer patients. While NY-ESO-1-specific CD8(+) and CD4(+) circulating T-cells occur mainly in NY-ESO-1-seropositive patients, p53-specific circulating CD8(+) and CD4(+) T-cells are respectively undetectable and common in most individuals. Understanding T-cell split tolerance can help define suitable targets for immunotherapy.