Tumor-associated antigen (surface type) (TAA)

Tumor-associated surface antigens are a category of cell surface proteins that show abnormal, elevated, or lineage-restricted expression on tumor cells compared to normal tissue. They encompass a diverse array of molecules including receptors, glycoproteins, differentiation antigens, and oncofetal antigens, frequently exploited as therapeutic targets and diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers in cancer. Examples include HER2, EGFR, PSA, MAGE-A3, and EpCAM. While these antigens present opportunities for precise cancer targeting, their shared expression with normal tissues introduces challenges such as off-tumor toxicity and therapeutic resistance. The term is generic and should be replaced with the specific antigen or molecule name for structured databases.

Other names

tumor surface antigenTAAcancer-associated antigencancer surface markertumor cell surface marker

Direct binding and neutralization (monoclonal antibodies) ADCC (antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity) Immune activation (cancer vaccines drive T cell response to TAAs) Apoptosis induction (by blocking growth/survival signals) CAR-T cell cytotoxicity (targeting cell surface TAAs)