Correlation of high and decreased NY-ESO-1 immunity to spontaneous regression and subsequent recurrence in a lung cancer patient

We show correlation between strong and decreased NY-ESO-1-specific immunity with spontaneous regression and subsequent recurrence, respectively, in a long-surviving patient with an NY-ESO-1-expressing lung adenocarcinoma. An integrated immune response consisting of IgG antibody, as well as CD4 and CD8 T cells, against NY-ESO-1 was observed at the time of spontaneous regression of multiple pleural metastases. After tumor dormancy for 3 years, the tumor started to progress. IgG antibody levels and the number of CD4 and CD8 T cells against NY-ESO-1 decreased, but were still detectable. On the other hand, the number of Foxp3+ CD25 high T regulatory cells gradually increased. The findings suggest the relevance of the NY-ESO-1 immune response and its regulation by Foxp3+ CD25 high T regulatory cells in the clinical course of this lung cancer patient.