Tumor antigen-specific T cell response

Tumor antigen-specific T cell response refers to the activation, proliferation, and function of T cells (CD8+ cytotoxic and CD4+ helper) that recognize and target tumor-derived antigens presented on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules by tumor cells. This response is the cornerstone of both natural anti-tumor immunity and the mechanism of action for cancer immunotherapies including adoptive T cell transfer (TCR-T cell and CAR-T cell therapies), cancer vaccines, and immune checkpoint blockade. These antigen-specific T cells can directly kill tumor cells or orchestrate broader immune responses. The detection and quantification of tumor antigen-specific T cells are important for prognostication and monitoring of immunotherapy efficacy. Safety concerns arise when antigens targeted by T cells are shared with normal tissues, leading to potential autoimmune toxicity.

Other names

Tumor antigen-directed T cell responseAntigen-specific T cell immunity in cancerTumor-specific T cell response

Not directly targetable, but mechanisms include: enhancement of T cell activation (by checkpoint blockade), adoptive transfer of engineered T cells, stimulation of T cells via vaccination or oncolytic viruses, among others