Tumor-associated antigens on acute myeloid leukemia cells (AML TAAs)

Tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) on acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells are a heterogeneous group of proteins that are either uniquely expressed or significantly overexpressed on leukemic blasts and stem cells (ASH Publications, 2006). These antigens serve as critical focal points for the development of targeted therapies, including monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and adoptive cellular therapies like CAR-T cells (NIH, 2021). Prominent examples include CD33, CD123, and FLT3, which are involved in various cellular processes such as signal transduction, proliferation, and survival (AACR, 2008). While targeting these antigens offers a pathway to more precise leukemia treatment, a significant challenge remains the 'on-target, off-tumor' toxicity, as many of these antigens are also present on healthy hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (NIH, 2025). This can lead to severe clinical complications such as prolonged myelosuppression and bone marrow ablation (NIH, 2021). Current research is directed toward identifying novel, more specific antigens and developing multi-antigen targeting strategies to enhance efficacy while minimizing damage to normal tissues (AACR, 2021).

Other names

Leukemia-associated antigensLAAsAML-associated antigensAcute myeloblastic leukemia surface antigensAML-specific antigens

Drugs targeting these antigens utilize various mechanisms including direct inhibition of signaling (small molecules), antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), delivery of cytotoxic payloads (ADCs), and redirected T-cell killing via CAR-T cells or bispecific antibodies (NIH, 2021; AACR, 2021).