Tumor antigen peptide (TAA/TSA)

Tumor antigen peptides are short amino acid sequences derived from proteins that are either uniquely expressed by malignant cells (tumor-specific antigens) or overexpressed in tumors relative to healthy tissues (tumor-associated antigens) (NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms, 2024). These peptides are processed within the cell and presented on the cell surface by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules, where they can be recognized by the T-cell receptors (TCRs) of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (Frontiers in Immunology, 2020). In oncology, these peptides are critical therapeutic targets for the development of cancer vaccines, TCR-engineered T-cell therapies, and bispecific T-cell engagers (Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology, 2021). By targeting these specific epitopes, therapies aim to stimulate a robust and selective immune response against the tumor. However, the clinical utility of these targets is often constrained by HLA restriction, requiring patients to possess specific genetic profiles for the therapy to be effective (PubMed, PMID: 31554602). Additionally, tumors may develop resistance through 'antigen escape,' where the expression of the target peptide or the presenting MHC molecule is downregulated to evade immune surveillance (Journal of Hematology & Oncology, 2021).

Other names

Tumor-associated antigen peptideTumor-specific antigen peptideNeoantigen peptideCancer-testis antigen peptideTumor epitopeCancer antigen peptide

Induction of antigen-specific T-cell responses through MHC-restricted presentation (Immunity, 2020)