Glioblastoma stem cell-derived antigens (GSC antigens)

Glioblastoma stem cell-derived antigens (GSC antigens) represent a diverse set of proteins and surface markers preferentially expressed by glioblastoma stem cells, a highly tumorigenic and therapy-resistant subpopulation within glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) (Lathia et al., 2015). These antigens, which include molecules such as CD133, EGFRvIII, IL13Ra2, HER2, AIM-2, and TRP-2, are critical for maintaining the self-renewal, pluripotency, and invasive potential of GSCs (Brown et al., 2016). In the context of immunotherapy, these antigens are targeted to eradicate the root of the tumor, thereby preventing recurrence and overcoming the limitations of standard-of-care treatments like radiation and chemotherapy (Wen et al., 2019). Therapeutic strategies utilizing these antigens include dendritic cell vaccines (e.g., ICT-107), CAR-T cell therapies, and peptide-based vaccines (O'Rourke et al., 2017). However, the clinical utility of targeting GSC antigens is often hampered by significant intratumoral heterogeneity, the immunosuppressive microenvironment of the brain, and the potential for antigen loss or escape during treatment. Furthermore, some GSC antigens are shared with normal neural stem cells, raising concerns about potential off-target neurotoxicity.

Other names

Glioblastoma stem cell-associated antigensGSC-associated antigensGSC markersGlioblastoma cancer stem cell antigens

Induction of a multi-antigenic immune response (T-cell mediated) against the self-renewing glioblastoma stem cell population through dendritic cell presentation or direct vaccination.