Tumor-associated antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (null)

Tumor-associated antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (TAA-specific CTLs) are CD8+ T cells that recognize and kill tumor cells expressing specific antigens known as tumor-associated antigens. The induction of these cells can be achieved ex vivo or in vivo by presenting antigenic peptides from tumor cells, typically via MHC class I molecules. These T cells destroy cancer cells primarily by releasing perforin and granzymes that induce apoptosis in the target, as well as by expressing ligands that trigger programmed cell death. Induction of TAA-specific CTLs forms the basis of multiple modern immunotherapy strategies for cancer, including adoptive T cell transfer and cancer vaccines.

Other names

TAA-specific cytotoxic T cellTAA-specific CTLTAA-reactive cytotoxic T cellTumor-associated antigen-specific CD8+ T cell

Recognition of TAA/MHC class I complexes on target (tumor) cells via T cell receptor • TCR; Release of cytolytic granules (perforin, granzymes) causing apoptosis of tumor cells; Expression of death ligands (such as Fas ligand) to trigger apoptosis in target cells