Erratum to ‘MHC class II antigen-associated invariant chain on renal cell cancer may contribute to the anti-tumor immune response of the host’ [Cancer Lett. 109 (1996), 15–21]

To investigate the association between renal cell cancer (RCC) and the host immune system, we examined the expression of invariant chain (Ii) and HLA-DR on renal cancer. Immunohistochemically, Ii was detected in 53 of the 60 cases of RCC. Significant correlation was found between the expression of Ii and the degree of lymphocyte infiltration. Flow cytometric analysis for HLA-DR and Ii on RCC cell line (ACHN) showed no positive cells, whereas interferon (IFN)-γ treatment induced HLA-DR. Immunoprecipitation showed the presence of cytoplasmic Ii in ACHN cells. In addition, IFN-γ-treated ACHN cells showed more intense signals than untreated cells. These results suggest that Ii associated with class II antigens on RCC may contribute to the anti-tumor immune response of the host and that IFN-γ, which is administered for the treatment of cancer, may increase the immunogenicity of RCC.