Multiple leukemia-associated antigens (LAA)

Multiple leukemia-associated antigens (LAAs) refer to a collection of proteins that are overexpressed or aberrantly expressed in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells, serving as a collective target for advanced immunotherapies [1], [4]. This group typically includes antigens such as Wilms tumor 1 (WT1), PRAME, NY-ESO-1, and Survivin, which are involved in essential cellular processes like transcriptional regulation, apoptosis inhibition, and cell cycle control [2], [7]. By targeting multiple antigens simultaneously, therapies aim to overcome the challenge of 'antigen escape,' where leukemic cells evade the immune system by losing a single targeted protein [3], [5]. Current therapeutic strategies include the administration of multi-antigen-specific T cells (e.g., MT-401) and autologous cell vaccines (e.g., TriLeukeVax) that stimulate a broad, polyclonal T-cell response against the patient's specific leukemic profile [6], [8]. These approaches are primarily investigated for the eradication of minimal residual disease (MRD) and the prevention of relapse in patients with AML or myelodysplastic syndromes, particularly in the post-transplant setting [1], [3]. The use of multiple antigens enhances the graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect while potentially reducing the risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) compared to unselected donor lymphocyte infusions [5], [7].

Other names

Leukemia-associated antigensLAAMLAAMulti-leukemia-associated antigensAML-associated antigensTumor-associated antigens in AML

Induction of poly-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses against multiple leukemia-associated antigens presented on HLA molecules to induce targeted cell lysis and prevent antigen escape [1], [3], [5].