Tumor-Associated Antigen (Colorectal Cancer)

Tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) in colorectal cancer are proteins or glycoproteins that are significantly overexpressed on the surface of cancer cells compared to normal cells. These molecules can be recognized by the immune system, particularly T cells, when presented as peptides bound to human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules. This recognition can initiate an anti-cancer immune response. TAAs are targets for immunotherapy approaches such as peptide vaccines and monoclonal antibody therapies. Examples include CEA, Melanoma-associated antigens, Cancer/testis antigens (e.g., NY-ESO-1), COA-1, and TAG-72.

Targeting specific epitopes on TAAs; inducing anti-tumor immune responses