Tumor antigen (CAR-T cell therapy target)

Tumor antigen-specific targets in CAR-T cell therapies refer to cell surface molecules (antigens) preferentially or exclusively expressed on malignant cells, which are recognized by the genetically engineered chimeric antigen receptor on T cells. These antigens enable CAR-T cells to distinguish tumor cells from normal cells, drive immune activation, and mediate targeted cytotoxicity against cancer. The therapeutic effectiveness and safety of CAR-T cell therapy depend critically on the selection of an appropriate tumor antigen that is highly expressed on cancer cells and minimally on normal tissues to reduce adverse events. Currently, FDA-approved CAR-T therapies target antigens such as CD19, CD20, and BCMA in hematologic malignancies. Research continues to discover and validate additional tumor-specific targets, especially for solid tumors, to expand the clinical utility of CAR-T cell therapies.

Other names

CAR-T cell antigenTumor antigen (immunotherapy)CAR-T specific antigenTarget antigen (CAR-T)

Immune cell-mediated cytotoxicity targeting the antigen-bearing cell; Antigen binding by single chain variable fragment (scFv) of CAR activates T cell signaling domains, triggers cytolytic killing of antigen-bearing tumor cells via release of perforin/granzymes and cytokines.