Tumor-associated antigens (Glioblastoma multiforme) (TAA)

Tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) represent a diverse group of proteins that are either uniquely expressed or significantly overexpressed on the surface or within the cytoplasm of glioma cells compared to normal brain tissue (Source: PubMed, PMID: 30633419). Common examples include the mutation-specific EGFRvIII, as well as IL-13Rα2, HER2, and Survivin, which are involved in critical pathways such as signal transduction, cell proliferation, and apoptosis evasion (Source: NIH, National Cancer Institute). These antigens serve as focal points for the development of targeted immunotherapies, including peptide vaccines like Rindopepimut, dendritic cell vaccines like ICT-107, and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies like MB-101 (Source: PubMed, PMID: 31534003; ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02208362). By targeting these specific markers, therapies aim to harness the immune system to selectively destroy malignant cells while minimizing damage to healthy brain tissue. However, the clinical success of these approaches is frequently challenged by the high degree of intratumoral heterogeneity and the phenomenon of antigen escape, where tumor cells lose the target antigen under selective pressure (Source: PubMed, PMID: 28250410). Additionally, the immunosuppressive microenvironment of the central nervous system and the restrictive nature of the blood-brain barrier pose significant hurdles for effective drug delivery and immune cell infiltration (Source: PubMed, PMID: 30241215).

Other names

GBM antigensGlioma-associated antigensTumor-specific antigensGlioblastoma antigens

Induction of antigen-specific immune responses, including T-cell mediated cytotoxicity and antibody production, to selectively eliminate tumor cells expressing these antigens (Source: PubMed, PMID: 31534003).