Tumor antigens and CTL clones isolated by a novel procedure

The present invention relates to isolation of cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) clones. In particular, the present invention relates to isolated CTL clones that are specific for proteins of the MAGE family. The CTL clones of the present invention have been isolated by successive steps of stimulation and testing of lymphocytes with antigen presenting cells which present antigens derived from different expression systems, e.g., from recombinant Yersinia , recombinant Salmonella , or recombinant viruses. The present invention further relates to antigenic peptides as well as the peptide/HLA complexes which are recognized by the isolated CTL clones.