Tumor-associated antigen-expressing cancer cell (TAA-expressing cancer cell)

Tumor-associated antigen-expressing cancer cells are malignant cells that display elevated levels of self antigens known as tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), which are more abundant on tumor cells than on some normal tissues but are not exclusive to cancer. TAAs encompass overexpressed or aberrantly expressed self-proteins, differentiation antigens, and cancer–testis antigens, and are commonly presented as peptides on HLA molecules or displayed as surface proteins and glycoconjugates. They are widely used as targets for immunotherapies, including monoclonal antibodies, antibody–drug conjugates, bispecific T-cell engagers, cancer vaccines, and adoptive T-cell therapies, but they pose unique safety and selectivity challenges because normal tissues may also express the antigen at lower levels.

Other names

tumor-associated antigen-positive cancer cellTAA-positive tumor cellcancer cell expressing tumor-associated antigensTAA-expressing tumor cell

Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity; Complement-dependent cytotoxicity; Receptor blockade; Antibody–drug conjugate-mediated cytotoxic payload delivery; Bispecific T-cell engagement; Immune checkpoint blockade; Adoptive T-cell recognition of peptide–HLA complexes; Vaccine-induced T-cell priming against TAAs