Glioma stem-like cell-derived antigens (GSC antigens)

Glioma stem-like cell-derived antigens are a group of tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) expressed by the subpopulation of glioblastoma cells known as glioma stem cells (GSCs), which are characterized by their self-renewal capacity and resistance to standard therapies [Phuphanich et al., 2013]. In the context of dendritic cell (DC) vaccination, these antigens—typically including HER2, TRP-2, gp100, MAGE-1, IL13Rα2, and AIM-2—are presented by autologous DCs via Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules to the patient's T cell receptors (TCRs) [Wen et al., 2019]. This interaction primes the immune system to recognize and eliminate GSCs, which are often responsible for tumor recurrence after surgery and chemotherapy [Butowski et al., 2015]. By targeting the GSC population specifically, this therapeutic approach aims to provide a more durable clinical response than conventional treatments. Clinical trials, such as those evaluating the ICT-107 vaccine, have demonstrated that this method can induce significant immune responses and potentially improve progression-free survival in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma [Reardon et al., 2014].

Other names

GSC-derived antigensGlioblastoma stem cell antigensICT-107 antigensTumor-associated antigens of glioma stem cells

Autologous dendritic cells are pulsed with specific synthetic peptides or lysates derived from glioma stem-like cells; these cells then present the antigens via MHC molecules to T cells, inducing a specific anti-tumor immune response [Phuphanich et al., 2013].