Senescence-associated surface antigen (SASA)

Senescence-associated surface antigens (SASAs) are a heterogeneous group of proteins expressed on the plasma membrane of cells undergoing permanent cell cycle arrest, a state known as cellular senescence [1][4]. These markers, including Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4), Urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR), and Glycoprotein nonmetastatic melanoma protein B (GPNMB), allow for the specific identification and therapeutic targeting of senescent cells that accumulate with age and in various disease states [1][2][3]. The accumulation of these cells is linked to chronic inflammation and tissue degeneration via the Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP) [4]. Therapeutic interventions such as CAR-T cells, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and vaccines are being developed to target these surface proteins to clear senescent cells (senolysis) and restore tissue homeostasis [2][3]. However, because many of these biomarkers are also expressed at lower levels in non-senescent tissues, achieving high specificity and avoiding off-target toxicity remains a significant challenge in the field [1][2].

Other names

Senescent cell surface biomarkerSenescence-associated membrane proteinSenescent cell surface markerSASA

Selective elimination of senescent cells (senolysis) through antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell mediated lysis, or vaccine-induced immune clearance [2][3].