Patient-specific tumor-associated antigens and neoantigen epitopes (TSA/TAA)

Patient-specific tumor-associated antigens and neoantigen epitopes represent a class of molecules used as targets in personalized cancer immunotherapy. Neoantigens are novel peptides arising from somatic mutations unique to an individual's tumor, making them highly specific and less likely to induce central tolerance or autoimmunity [1.3.1, 1.5.1]. Tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) are self-proteins that are overexpressed or aberrantly expressed in cancer cells compared to normal tissues [1.1.2, 1.5.5]. These antigens are processed and presented on the cell surface by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules, where they are recognized by T-cell receptors (TCRs) [1.1.2, 1.3.2]. Therapeutic strategies, such as personalized mRNA or peptide vaccines, aim to prime the patient's immune system to recognize these specific epitopes, thereby inducing a robust cytotoxic T-lymphocyte response against the tumor [1.2.1, 1.4.3]. This approach is often combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors to overcome the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and enhance the durability of the anti-tumor response [1.1.3, 1.2.5].

Other names

NeoantigensTumor-specific antigensTumor-associated antigensPersonalized cancer antigensMutation-derived antigensPrivate antigensTumor neoepitopes

Induction of a personalized T-cell mediated immune response through the presentation of tumor-specific neoepitopes or overexpressed antigens on MHC molecules, leading to the activation and expansion of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and helper T cells that target and eliminate cancer cells [1.2.1, 1.3.2, 1.5.2].