Renal cell carcinoma tumor-associated antigens (RCC-TAA)

Renal cell carcinoma tumor-associated antigens (RCC-TAAs) are a heterogeneous group of proteins, such as Carbonic Anhydrase IX (CAIX), 5T4, and MAGE-A3, that are preferentially expressed by malignant renal cells (Su et al., 2003, Cancer Res). In the context of dendritic cell (DC) therapy, these antigens are introduced to patient-derived DCs—either through pulsing with tumor lysates, synthetic peptides, or transfection with tumor-derived RNA—to create a personalized vaccine (Amin et al., 2015, J Immunother). Once re-infused, these armed dendritic cells migrate to lymphoid organs where they present the antigens to T-cells via MHC molecules, thereby initiating a targeted cellular immune response against the tumor (Wood et al., 2012, Cancer Immunol Immunother). This approach aims to overcome the immune evasion mechanisms typical of renal cell carcinoma by providing a potent stimulus for tumor-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. Clinical candidates like Roccapuldencel-T (AGS-003) have explored this modality by using autologous tumor RNA to capture the full neoantigenic profile of an individual's cancer (Amin et al., 2015, J Immunother). Another approach, Ilixadencel, uses pro-inflammatory allogeneic DCs to recruit and activate the patient's own DCs to present tumor antigens (Lindskog et al., 2020, Front Oncol). Despite the potential for high specificity and low toxicity, the efficacy of these therapies can be limited by the highly immunosuppressive microenvironment of advanced renal tumors. Safety concerns are generally mild, including injection site reactions and flu-like symptoms, though the logistical complexity of manufacturing autologous products remains a significant challenge.

Other names

RCC antigensRenal cell carcinoma-specific antigensDendritic cell-presented RCC antigensTumor-associated antigens in renal cell carcinoma

Dendritic cell-mediated activation of tumor-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes