Glioblastoma tumor-associated antigens (GBM TAAs) (GBM TAAs)

Glioblastoma tumor-associated antigens (GBM TAAs) are a diverse group of proteins and glycans that are either uniquely expressed or significantly overexpressed on the surface of glioblastoma cells compared to normal brain tissue [PMID: 28724543, PMID: 28029927]. These antigens, which include the mutation-derived neoantigen EGFRvIII and overexpressed receptors like IL-13Rα2, HER2, and EphA2, serve as critical targets for precision immunotherapies such as CAR-T cells, therapeutic vaccines, and bispecific antibodies [PMID: 23071357, PMID: 32533130]. By targeting these markers, therapies aim to selectively eliminate malignant cells while sparing healthy neurons and glia [PMID: 30232639]. However, the clinical success of targeting GBM TAAs is often limited by high intratumoral heterogeneity and the phenomenon of "antigen escape," where the tumor recurs by losing the targeted antigen [PMID: 28724543]. Additionally, the immunosuppressive microenvironment of the brain and the blood-brain barrier present significant hurdles for effective drug delivery and immune cell infiltration [PMID: 30232639].

Other names

Glioma-associated antigensGBM surface antigensGlioblastoma neoantigensGBM-specific antigens

Targeted immunotherapy including CAR-T cell activation, peptide vaccine-induced immune response, and antibody-mediated cytotoxicity against specific surface or intracellular proteins expressed by glioblastoma cells [PMID: 30232639, PMID: 32533130].