Tumor-Associated Antigen (None)

Tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) are molecules, often proteins or glycoproteins, that are present at elevated levels on the surface of tumor cells but can also be found, typically at lower levels, on some normal cells. TAAs are not exclusive to tumors but show preferential or overexpression in malignant tissues, making them targets for immunotherapy and diagnostic applications. They include oncofetal antigens, overexpressed proteins, cancer-testis antigens, lineage-restricted antigens, and mutated/posttranslationally altered forms. While targeting TAAs has led to advances in cancer treatment, their presence on some healthy tissues means that side effects due to off-target toxicity remain a concern.

Therapeutic antibodies or CAR-T cells target TAA-expressing tumor cells, leading to cell death or immune-mediated destruction.