Glioblastoma cancer stem cell antigen (GCSC antigen) (GCSC antigen)

Glioblastoma cancer stem cell (GCSC) antigens represent a diverse set of molecular markers expressed by a subpopulation of cells within glioblastomas that exhibit stem-like properties, such as self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation [1, 4]. These antigens, including CD133, Nestin, SOX2, and CD44, are pivotal in maintaining the GCSC niche, driving tumor growth, and conferring resistance to conventional treatments like radiotherapy and temozolomide [3, 6]. Because GCSCs are considered the primary drivers of tumor recurrence and the overall poor prognosis in glioblastoma, they are high-priority targets for novel therapeutic interventions [7, 9]. Current strategies involve the use of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells, monoclonal antibodies, and small-molecule inhibitors designed to disrupt essential signaling pathways like Notch and STAT3 [5, 11]. However, the therapeutic window is narrowed by the fact that many GCSC antigens are also expressed in normal neural stem cells, posing a risk of significant neurotoxicity [1, 10]. Furthermore, the inherent heterogeneity of glioblastoma often leads to antigen loss or escape, necessitating the development of multi-targeted or combinatorial treatment regimens [12, 13].

Other names

GSC markersGlioma stem cell antigensBrain tumor initiating cell markersGlioblastoma stem-like cell markersCD133NestinSOX2CD44L1CAMMusashi-1

Inhibition of self-renewal pathways (Notch, Wnt, Hedgehog), targeted immunological cell lysis via CAR-T or antibodies, induction of cellular differentiation, and sensitization to cytotoxic therapies [1, 3, 5].