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Cancer stem cell antigen
- Molecular classification
- Other, Surface protein (e.g., CD133, CD44, EpCAM), Enzyme (e.g., aldehyde dehydrogenase/ALDH), Cancer/testis antigen (e.g., MAGE, NY-ESO-1, BORIS), Receptor (e.g., HER2, occasionally expressed on CSCs)
01
Overview
Cancer stem cell antigens collectively refer to various cell-surface and intracellular markers expressed preferentially or abundantly on cancer stem cells, a minority population within tumors responsible for self-renewal, differentiation, tumor initiation, metastasis, relapse, and drug resistance. Examples of frequently referenced CSC antigens include CD133, CD44, EpCAM, ALDH, and several cancer-testis antigens like MAGE, NY-ESO-1, and BORIS. Targeting CSC antigens is a central therapeutic strategy under active research, utilizing approaches including monoclonal antibodies, CAR-T cells, and cancer vaccines. The principal challenge in targeting CSC antigens is their overlap with normal stem cell markers, substantial tumor heterogeneity, and immunosuppressive environments within tumors, which can result in toxicity and limited efficacy[1][2][4][5][6][7].
- Other names
- CSC antigensCancer stem cell markersTumor-initiating cell antigens
02
Mechanism of action
Direct cytotoxicity (antibody-drug conjugates); CAR-T cell cytotoxicity (redirecting immune cells to kill CSCs); Immune modulation (vaccines inducing anti-CSC response); Inhibition of signaling pathways for self-renewal/differentiation (e.g., Notch, Wnt, Hedgehog inhibitors)
03
Biological functions
Self-renewal: maintaining CSC poolCell differentiationTumor initiation: ability to initiate and sustain tumor growthDrug resistance: associated with therapy failure and relapseCell proliferationMetastasisImmune evasion
04
Disease associations
Cancer (solid tumors and hematological malignancies)Cancer relapse and metastasisOccasionally involved in resistance to therapy and poor prognosis
05
Safety considerations
On-target off-tumor toxicity: Many CSC antigens are expressed at low levels on normal stem cells, risking damage to healthy tissueTumor heterogeneity and antigen loss leading to treatment resistanceImmunosuppressive tumor microenvironment restricts effective targetingDifficulty in selective targeting without affecting normal stem cells
06
Interacting drugs
Monoclonal antibodies (e.g., anti-CD133, anti-EpCAM)
3 more in the full profile.
07
Biomarkers
CD133 (PROM1)CD44EpCAM (ESA)ALDH activityCancer/testis antigens (e.g., MAGE, NY-ESO-1, BORIS)Others as identified by transcriptome/proteomic profiling on CSCs
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