Tumor-Associated Antigens on Autologous Melanoma Cells (TAAs)

Tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) present on autologous melanoma cells are a diverse group of proteins that are preferentially expressed by melanoma cells but not exclusively. They include cancer/testis antigens like MAGEs, melanocyte differentiation antigens such as tyrosinase and gp100, and neoantigens arising from somatic mutations. These antigens are recognized by the immune system and are targets for cancer immunotherapy, particularly adoptive T-cell therapies and cancer vaccines. Their expression patterns and immunogenicity make them valuable diagnostic and therapeutic targets.

Other names

Melanoma-associated antigensCancer/testis antigens (CT antigens)MAGE family antigensTyrosinasegp100Melanoma neoantigens

Cancer vaccines stimulate an immune response against TAA peptides. Adoptive T-cell therapies use engineered T cells to specifically target and kill cells expressing the TAAs. Checkpoint inhibitors enhance the endogenous T cell response to TAAs.