Tumor-associated antigen on malignant B-cell (null)

A tumor-associated antigen on malignant B cells refers to any antigen (often a surface protein) that is overexpressed or aberrantly expressed on malignant B cells in cancers such as B-cell lymphoma and leukemia. These antigens, such as CD19 or CD20, are recognized by the immune system and are the basis for important therapeutic interventions, including monoclonal antibodies and CAR-T cell therapies. They serve as both diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets due to their preferential expression on malignant versus normal cells; however, most TAAs are also expressed at lower levels on some normal tissues, which raises potential for off-tumor toxicity. For effective translational research or clinical application, the precise molecular identity of the antigen should be specified, as "tumor-associated antigen" is an umbrella term encompassing multiple proteins with diverse biological and clinical implications.[4][6][5][7]

Other names

Malignant B-cell antigenB-cell tumor-associated surface antigenTumor-associated B-cell antigenTAA on B-cell

Monoclonal antibody-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC, CDC) Immune cell recruitment to kill malignant B cells Delivery of cytotoxic agents (e.g. antibody-drug conjugate) Immune checkpoint or bystander activation (for bispecific antibodies) (See specific antigens—e.g. CD20: anti-CD20 antibody binds the antigen, leading to cell lysis.[4])