Biliary tract cancer antigens (BTC antigens)

Biliary tract cancer (BTC) antigens refer to a collection of tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) and neoantigens that are overexpressed or specifically mutated in cancers of the biliary tree, including intrahepatic and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder cancer (Frontiers in Immunology, NIH). These antigens, such as Mucin 1 (MUC1), Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2), Mesothelin, and Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA), are critical for tumor cell signaling, adhesion, and survival, and they serve as primary targets for therapeutic intervention (NIH, MDPI). Current treatment strategies targeting these antigens include monoclonal antibodies (e.g., Trastuzumab for HER2), small molecule inhibitors (e.g., Pemigatinib for FGFR2), and emerging immunotherapies like chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy and peptide vaccines (e.g., WT1 and MUC1 vaccines) (MDPI, Frontiers in Immunology). The high degree of molecular heterogeneity in BTC necessitates the use of biomarkers such as HER2 amplification, FGFR2 fusions, and IDH1 mutations to guide patient selection and improve clinical outcomes (Dovepress, Frontiers in Immunology). Despite the promise of these targets, challenges such as the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and potential on-target off-tumor toxicities remain significant hurdles in the development of effective therapies (NIH). Ongoing research focuses on identifying novel antigens and developing combination therapies to overcome resistance and enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy in this aggressive disease (NIH).

Other names

Biliary tract cancer-associated antigensBTC-associated antigensTumor-associated antigens in biliary tract cancerBTC TAAs

Targeting of tumor-associated antigens via monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, CAR-T cells, or vaccines to inhibit oncogenic signaling or induce immune-mediated cell death.