Lung cancer-specific antigens

Lung cancer-specific antigens are a heterogeneous group of molecules, including proteins, glycoproteins, and mutated peptides, that are uniquely or over-expressed in lung malignant cells (Zarogoulidis et al., 2013, J Thorac Dis). This category encompasses tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) like MAGE-A3, NY-ESO-1, and MUC1, as well as neoantigens arising from somatic mutations (Gure et al., 2005, Clin Cancer Res). These antigens serve as the primary targets for various immunotherapeutic interventions, such as cancer vaccines (e.g., CIMAvax-EGF) and adoptive T-cell therapies, which aim to direct the immune system to selectively eliminate tumor cells (Rodriguez et al., 2016, Ther Adv Respir Dis). Biologically, these antigens may be involved in critical processes like cell signaling, proliferation, and survival, but their presence on the cell surface also makes them vulnerable to immune recognition. The therapeutic application of these antigens is often challenged by the high degree of intratumoral heterogeneity and the potential for immune evasion through antigen downregulation. Consequently, identifying specific antigen profiles is vital for the development of personalized treatment strategies in both non-small cell and small cell lung cancer.

Other names

Tumor-associated antigensCancer-testis antigensNeoantigensLung tumor antigensTAAs

Induction of an immune response against specific tumor-associated or tumor-specific proteins to facilitate targeted destruction of malignant cells (Zarogoulidis et al., 2013).