Melanoma-associated antigen C3 (MAGEC3)

Melanoma-associated antigen C3 (MAGEC3) is a member of the MAGE (melanoma antigen) family of cancer-testis antigens that are normally expressed in the testis and abnormally re-expressed in a diverse range of tumors but not in most normal tissues[1][3][5]. Like other MAGE family members, MAGEC3 is implicated in promoting tumor cell survival, resistance to apoptosis, and cancer progression, although its specific molecular partners and mechanisms remain incompletely defined[1]. MAGEC3 may serve as a potential biomarker or therapeutic target in cancers such as melanoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, multiple myeloma, and ovarian cancer, either as a direct target for immunotherapy or as an indicator of disease biology[1][6]. No approved drugs are known to selectively target this antigen, but cancer-testis antigens are being explored for cancer immunotherapies.

Other names

MAGE family member C3HCA2CT7.2MAGE-C3Cancer/testis antigen 7.2Hepatocellular carcinoma-associated antigen 2hepatocellular carcinoma-associated protein HCA2

Target for immunotherapy as cancer-testis antigen. Silencing or inhibition may promote apoptosis and reduce tumor cell survival.