Patient-specific mutated cell surface protein (Neoantigen)

Patient-specific mutated cell surface proteins, also known as surface neoantigens, are a class of tumor-specific antigens (TSAs) that arise from somatic mutations unique to an individual patient's malignancy (Becker & Hofler, 2001). These proteins are expressed on the plasma membrane of cancer cells, making them accessible to antibody-based and cell-based immunotherapies without the requirement for MHC presentation (BMJ, 2024). Because these mutated sequences are absent from the normal human proteome, they represent ideal targets for precision medicine, offering the potential for high therapeutic efficacy with minimal on-target, off-tumor toxicity. Current therapeutic approaches include the development of personalized chimeric antibodies, CAR-T cells, and neoantigen-targeted vaccines (ClinicalTrials.gov, PSCI-24-018). The identification of these targets typically involves high-throughput sequencing of the patient's tumor exome and transcriptome, followed by bioinformatic prediction of surface expression and immunogenicity. Despite their promise, challenges such as intratumoral heterogeneity and the logistical complexity of manufacturing individualized treatments remain significant barriers to widespread clinical adoption (Preprints.org, 2024).

Other names

Surface neoantigenTumor-specific surface antigenMutated surface proteinPersonalized cancer antigenPatient-specific mutated cell surface protein

Targeted cell lysis and immune system activation via antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), T-cell mediated killing, or vaccine-induced immune priming.