Tumor-associated antigens and neoantigens from colorectal cancer cells (CRC TAAs/Neoantigens)

Tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) and neoantigens from colorectal cancer (CRC) cells constitute a broad class of molecular markers used to distinguish malignant cells from healthy tissue for therapeutic intervention. TAAs, such as Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA), MUC1, and Guanylyl Cyclase C (GUCY2C), are self-antigens that are abnormally expressed or overexpressed in CRC, providing targets for monoclonal antibodies, bispecific T-cell engagers, and CAR-T cell therapies (Source: PubMed, PMID: 31434355). Neoantigens, conversely, are entirely novel peptides generated by somatic mutations—such as those in KRAS, TP53, or PIK3CA—or frameshift mutations common in microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) colorectal cancers (Source: Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology, 2021). These antigens are central to the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors and the development of personalized cancer vaccines, as they are recognized as non-self by the immune system (Source: Science, PMID: 25977371). While TAAs are shared across patients, allowing for standardized treatments, they pose a risk of on-target off-tumor toxicity due to low-level expression in normal tissues. Neoantigens offer superior specificity but necessitate individualized genomic profiling and vaccine synthesis, representing a cornerstone of precision oncology in colorectal cancer (Source: Journal of Hematology & Oncology, 2023).

Other names

Colorectal cancer antigensCRC neoantigensCRC TAAsColorectal cancer-specific antigensCRC tumor antigens

These targets are utilized to direct the immune system against colorectal cancer cells through various modalities. TAAs like CEA are targeted by monoclonal antibodies or bispecific engagers to induce antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) or direct T-cell mediated lysis. Neoantigens are primarily targeted via personalized vaccines (mRNA or peptide-based) or adoptive T-cell therapies, where the immune system is primed to recognize mutation-specific peptides presented on HLA molecules, leading to highly specific tumor cell destruction.