Tumor-associated antigen on B-cell lymphoma cells (TAA (B-cell lymphoma))

Tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) on B-cell lymphoma cells are a broad class of surface proteins that are highly or selectively expressed on malignant B-lymphocytes, making them primary targets for modern immunotherapy. This category encompasses well-known lineage markers such as CD20, CD19, CD22, and CD79b, which are involved in critical biological processes like B-cell signaling, maturation, and survival. In clinical practice, these antigens are exploited to direct a wide range of therapies—including monoclonal antibodies, bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs), and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells—specifically to the tumor site. While targeting these antigens has significantly improved outcomes in diseases like diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and follicular lymphoma, it also presents challenges such as the depletion of normal B-cells (leading to immunodeficiency) and the potential for tumor escape through antigen downregulation or loss. Emerging research also explores shared antigens like PRAME and TCL1 to expand the therapeutic landscape for patients who relapse after standard anti-CD19 or anti-CD20 treatments.

Other names

B-cell lymphoma surface antigenB-lymphocyte antigenCD20CD19CD22CD79bIdiotypePRAMETCL1

Therapeutic agents targeting these antigens utilize various mechanisms including antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), direct induction of apoptosis, delivery of cytotoxic payloads (via antibody-drug conjugates), and redirection of T-cell cytotoxicity (via bispecific antibodies or CAR-T cells).