Single selected tumor-associated antigen (TAA)

The term "Single selected tumor-associated antigen" is a generic descriptor or placeholder used in clinical research and immunotherapy to refer to a specific protein or molecule expressed on tumor cells that has been chosen as a therapeutic target. Tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) are typically proteins that are overexpressed in malignant cells compared to normal tissues, or are expressed only during specific developmental stages, such as cancer-testis antigens (e.g., MAGE, NY-ESO-1) [1.1.1]. This designation is frequently encountered in the context of personalized medicine, such as cancer vaccines or adoptive T-cell therapies (e.g., MUSTANG compositions), where a single antigen is selected from a library based on the patient's tumor expression profile and HLA type [1.1.1]. Because the term does not refer to a unique molecular entity, its biological function, disease relevance, and safety profile are entirely dependent on the specific antigen being targeted. Common examples of TAAs that might be "selected" include HER2/neu, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and various lineage-restricted proteins [1.1.1].

Other names

Tumor-associated antigenTAATumor antigenSelected tumor antigen

Targeting of specific proteins expressed on tumor cells to induce immune-mediated destruction, typically via T-cell activation or antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity.