Cancer stem cell-associated surface antigens (CSC markers)

Cancer stem cell (CSC) associated surface antigens are a heterogeneous group of membrane-bound proteins and glycoproteins that serve as identifying markers for a subpopulation of tumor cells with self-renewal and tumor-initiating capabilities (PMID: 29333458). These antigens, including CD44, CD133 (Prominin-1), EpCAM, and CD24, are involved in critical biological processes such as cell-matrix adhesion, signal transduction (e.g., Wnt, Notch, and Hedgehog pathways), and the regulation of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) (PMID: 31963214). Because CSCs are often implicated in therapeutic resistance, minimal residual disease, and distant metastasis, these surface antigens are highly prioritized as therapeutic targets. Current drug development strategies include monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, and CAR-T cell therapies designed to selectively eliminate the CSC pool (PMID: 28103458). However, a major challenge in targeting these antigens is their shared expression with normal adult stem cells, which can lead to significant off-target toxicities in tissues like the bone marrow and gastrointestinal tract (PMID: 24048513).

Other names

Cancer stem cell markersCSC surface markersTumor-initiating cell markersCSC antigens

Targeted depletion of tumor-initiating cells via antibody-mediated cytotoxicity or inhibition of stemness-related signaling pathways.