Glioma stem-like cell antigen (GSC antigen)

Glioma stem-like cell (GSC) antigens are a specialized group of proteins overexpressed by the self-renewing, tumorigenic subpopulation of cells within glioblastomas that are primarily responsible for treatment resistance and tumor recurrence (Lathia et al., 2015). These antigens, such as MAGE-1, HER2, AIM-2, and IL13Rα2, serve as the basis for targeted immunotherapy, particularly dendritic cell (DC) vaccines (Phuphanich et al., 2013). In this therapeutic approach, autologous dendritic cells are loaded with GSC-derived peptides or lysates and administered to the patient to facilitate the presentation of these antigens to T-cell receptors (TCRs). This process primes the immune system to recognize and eliminate the chemoresistant GSC niche, which is often missed by standard therapies (Bao et al., 2006). Clinical candidates like ICT-107 have utilized a multi-antigen approach to target these cells while minimizing the risk of immune escape through antigen loss (Wen et al., 2019). The ultimate goal of targeting GSC antigens is to provide a more durable clinical response in patients with high-grade gliomas by eradicating the cells that drive tumor growth.

Other names

Glioblastoma stem cell antigenGSC-associated antigenGSC-derived peptidesGSC-specific antigens

Dendritic cell-mediated presentation of GSC-specific peptides to T-cells to induce a targeted cytotoxic immune response.