Tumor-associated antigens on human ovarian cancer cells

Tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) on human ovarian cancer cells represent a heterogeneous class of molecules, primarily proteins and glycoproteins, that exhibit significantly higher expression levels on malignant ovarian cells compared to normal tissues. Prominent examples include Mucin 16 (CA-125), Folate Receptor Alpha (FRα), Mesothelin, and Human Epididymis Protein 4 (HE4) (Colombo et al., 2019, Lancet). These antigens play diverse roles in oncogenesis, including promoting cell proliferation, facilitating peritoneal adhesion, and mediating immune suppression within the tumor microenvironment (Bast et al., 2005, Nature Reviews Cancer). Because of their differential expression, they are utilized as targets for various therapeutic modalities such as monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies. For instance, the ADC mirvetuximab soravtansine targets FRα to deliver a cytotoxic payload directly to the cancer cells (Moore et al., 2023, NEJM). However, the clinical utility of these antigens is often complicated by intratumoral heterogeneity and the shedding of antigens into the systemic circulation, which can act as decoys for targeted therapies. Monitoring these antigens, particularly CA-125, remains a cornerstone for assessing treatment response and detecting disease recurrence in clinical practice.

Other names

Ovarian cancer antigensOvarian tumor-associated antigensSurface antigens of ovarian cancer cellsOVCA antigens

Therapeutic strategies targeting these antigens include antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) that deliver cytotoxic payloads, monoclonal antibodies that induce antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) or complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), and radioimmunotherapy (Moore et al., 2023; Bast et al., 2005).