Tumor antigen

Antigens associated with tumor cells

The spectrum of target antigens associated with tumor immunity and allo-immunity after allogeneic HSCT.

A tumor antigen is a molecule expressed on the surface of tumor cells that can be recognized by the immune system, particularly by T cells. These antigens can be used as targets for cancer immunotherapy and are crucial in the development of cancer vaccines.

Types of Tumor Antigens

Tumor antigens are generally classified into two main categories: tumor-specific antigens (TSAs) and tumor-associated antigens (TAAs).

Tumor-Specific Antigens

Tumor-specific antigens are unique to cancer cells and are not found on normal cells. These antigens arise from mutations in tumor cells that lead to the production of novel proteins. TSAs are ideal targets for immunotherapy because they minimize the risk of attacking normal tissues.

Tumor-Associated Antigens

Tumor-associated antigens are present on both cancerous and normal cells but are overexpressed in tumor cells. These antigens include proteins such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). TAAs are more common than TSAs and are often used in diagnostic tests and as targets for monoclonal antibody therapies.

Immune Recognition

The immune system recognizes tumor antigens through the presentation of peptides on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. CD8+ T cells recognize antigens presented by MHC class I molecules, while CD4+ T cells recognize those presented by MHC class II molecules.

Processing of tumor antigens recognized by CD8+ T cells.

Role in Cancer Immunotherapy

Tumor antigens are central to the development of cancer immunotherapies, including checkpoint inhibitors, CAR T-cell therapy, and cancer vaccines. These therapies aim to enhance the immune system's ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells by targeting specific tumor antigens.

Challenges and Future Directions

One of the main challenges in targeting tumor antigens is the potential for immune tolerance and the heterogeneity of antigen expression among different tumors. Research is ongoing to identify new tumor antigens and to develop strategies to overcome these challenges.

Related Pages

• Cancer immunotherapy
• Monoclonal antibody therapy
• Cancer vaccine

Tumor_antigen

• 

  The spectrum of target antigens associated with tumor immunity and allo-immunity after allogeneic HSCT

• 

  Processing of tumor antigens recognized by CD8+ T cells

• 

  Classes of human tumor antigens recognized by T lymphocytes, with their genetic process