Glioblastoma cancer stem cell-associated antigens (GCSC-associated antigens)

Glioblastoma cancer stem cell-associated antigens represent a group of proteins specifically or highly expressed on the surface of glioblastoma stem cells (GCSCs), which are believed to be responsible for tumor initiation, progression, and resistance to standard therapies. These antigens, such as HER2, TRP-2, gp100, MAGE-1, IL13Rα2, and AIM-2, serve as targets for immunotherapy, particularly dendritic cell (DC) vaccines. In this therapeutic approach, autologous dendritic cells are loaded with these antigens and administered to the patient to stimulate a robust immune response. By presenting these peptides via MHC class I and II molecules, the DCs activate both CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and CD4+ helper T cells to recognize and eliminate the GCSC population. This strategy aims to overcome the heterogeneity of glioblastoma and prevent disease recurrence by targeting the 'seed' cells of the tumor. Clinical candidates like ICT-107 and AV-GBM-1 have utilized this multi-antigen or pan-antigen approach to improve progression-free survival in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma.

Other names

Glioblastoma stem cell antigensGCSC antigensTumor-associated antigens (TAA) of glioblastoma stem cellsICT-107 antigensAV-GBM-1 antigens

Dendritic cell-based vaccination where autologous dendritic cells are pulsed with specific or pan-antigenic glioblastoma stem cell peptides to induce a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response via MHC class I and II presentation, targeting and lysing cancer stem cells.