Cost-shared infrastructure project coordinated by G. Pawelec

This project is supported by the European Commission within the Fifth Framework Infrastructures program

QLRI-CT2001-01325 (2001-2004)

ESTDAB provides a unique resource offering tumour cell lines to the cancer research community. It links a total of seven EU and NAS infrastructures to characterise and provide melanoma lines typed for immunologically and clinically-relevant parameters, ie. complete HLA class I and II molecular typing coupled with an assessment of the expression of MHC molecules at the cell surface; tumour antigen expression; adhesion / accessory molecule expression; secretion of and response to cytokines.

A multi-parameter searchable data base was developed based on the IMGT/HLA database

and made available on the Internet for searching by qualified investigators. Cells will be shipped to bona fide investigators requiring tumours expressing a particular constellation of the markers mentioned above. The two new NAS members will contribute to the characterisation of the cell lines (glycosylation patterns, cytokine and receptor polymorphisms).

ESTDAB on CORDIS (Community Research & Development Information Service) of the EU.

http://cordis.europa.eu/project/rcn/58824_en.html

IPD: Immuno Polymorphism Database

IPD-ESTDAB provide a service enabling investigators to search online for HLA typed, immunologically characterised tumour cells.

http://www.ebi.ac.uk/ipd/estdab/index.html

IMGT / HLA database

http://www.ebi.ac.uk/ipd/imgt/hla/