Multiple tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) (TAAs)

Multiple tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) on patient-derived lung cancer cells refer to a broad group of proteins and glycoproteins that are overexpressed or aberrantly expressed in lung cancer tissues, such as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) (National Cancer Institute, 2023). These antigens, which include MUC1, CEA, NY-ESO-1, and Survivin, serve as the primary targets for various immunotherapeutic approaches, including cancer vaccines and cell-based therapies (Journal of Hematology & Oncology, 2021). By targeting multiple antigens simultaneously, these therapies aim to address the challenge of tumor heterogeneity and reduce the likelihood of "antigen escape," where the tumor evades the immune system by losing a single target (Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology, 2022). In many clinical settings, patient-derived cells are used to identify or provide these antigens for the creation of personalized vaccines, such as dendritic cell vaccines (ClinicalTrials.gov, 2022). These antigens interact with the immune system by being presented on MHC molecules to T-cells, thereby stimulating a cytotoxic immune response against the tumor (PubMed, 2020). While effective in some patients, challenges include the potential for off-target effects on healthy tissues and the complex immunosuppressive environment of the lung tumor microenvironment (Frontiers in Immunology, 2021).

Other names

Tumor-associated antigensLung cancer antigensNeoantigensCancer-testis antigensTumor-specific antigens

Induction of a polyfunctional T-cell response against multiple tumor-specific epitopes to promote cancer cell lysis.