Glioblastoma multiforme tumor-associated antigens (GBM TAAs)

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) are a heterogeneous group of proteins that are preferentially expressed or mutated in GBM cells, making them primary targets for immunotherapy and targeted molecular agents (Lim et al., 2018, PMID: 29405135). Key examples include the truncated Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor variant III (EGFRvIII), Interleukin-13 receptor alpha 2 (IL-13Rα2), and the anti-apoptotic protein Survivin (Weller et al., 2017, PMID: 28250210; Brown et al., 2016, PMID: 28029927). These antigens play pivotal roles in driving the aggressive phenotype of GBM, including rapid cell proliferation, resistance to programmed cell death, and enhanced tissue invasion (NIH.gov 1.5.3). Therapeutic strategies targeting these antigens include peptide vaccines like Rindopepimut and SurVaxM, as well as advanced Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies (Ahluwalia et al., 2019, PMID: 30545843; NIH.gov 1.2.1). Despite their potential, the clinical utility of targeting GBM TAAs is often limited by the high degree of intratumoral heterogeneity and the emergence of antigen-loss variants, a process known as antigen escape (NIH.gov 1.5.2). Furthermore, the immunosuppressive microenvironment of the central nervous system and the restrictive nature of the blood-brain barrier present ongoing challenges for effective drug delivery and sustained therapeutic response (NIH.gov 1.4.2).

Other names

Glioma-associated antigensGBM antigensBrain tumor-associated antigens

Induction of antigen-specific T-cell and B-cell responses, direct T-cell mediated cytotoxicity, or antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) against tumor cells expressing specific antigens.