Autologous tumor-associated antigens presented by dendritic cells (TAAs)

Autologous tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) presented by dendritic cells (DCs) represent a personalized immunotherapy approach where a patient's own immune cells are trained to recognize their specific cancer (Banchereau & Steinman, 1998, Nature). Dendritic cells, the most potent antigen-presenting cells, are harvested and pulsed or loaded with antigens derived from the patient's own tumor tissue, such as whole tumor lysate or specific peptides (Anguille et al., 2014, Pharmacological Reviews). Once re-infused, these mature dendritic cells present the TAAs to T-cells, initiating a robust and specific immune response against the malignancy. This strategy aims to overcome the tumor's ability to evade the immune system by providing a concentrated stimulus for T-cell activation. Because the antigens are autologous, the treatment is tailored to the unique mutational profile of the individual's tumor, potentially reducing off-target effects on healthy tissue (Liau et al., 2023, JAMA Oncology). This approach has been utilized in various cancers, most notably in prostate cancer with the FDA-approved Sipuleucel-T and in glioblastoma with investigational vaccines like DCVax-L (Kantoff et al., 2010, NEJM).

Other names

Autologous tumor lysatePatient-specific tumor antigensTumor-derived antigensDC-presented antigensAutologous tumor-associated antigens (TAAs)

Dendritic cells are loaded with autologous tumor antigens and re-infused into the patient to prime and activate cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) to recognize and destroy tumor cells expressing those specific antigens (Anguille et al., 2014, Pharmacological Reviews).