Tumor-associated antigens presented by genetically modified dendritic cells (DC-TAA)

Tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) presented by genetically modified dendritic cells (DCs) represent a therapeutic modality rather than a single molecular target. In this approach, DCs—the most potent professional antigen-presenting cells—are harvested from a patient and engineered to express specific TAAs, such as MAGE-A3, NY-ESO-1, or PSA, using genetic delivery systems like mRNA or adenoviral vectors (Source: Nature Reviews Cancer, doi:10.1038/nrc.2017.122). Once re-infused into the patient, these modified DCs migrate to lymphoid organs where they present the encoded antigens to T-cells, effectively 'priming' the immune system to recognize and destroy malignant cells. This strategy aims to overcome the immune-suppressive environment of the tumor and the poor immunogenicity of many endogenous cancer antigens. While clinically significant, this entry is considered 'incorrect' as a target because it describes a complex cell-based vaccine platform involving multiple proteins and cellular interactions rather than a discrete receptor or enzyme. The efficacy of this approach is often monitored through T-cell activation markers and is highly dependent on the specific antigens selected for expression (Source: Journal of Hematology & Oncology, doi:10.1186/s13045-019-0795-2).

Other names

Dendritic cell-based cancer vaccinesGenetically engineered dendritic cell immunotherapyDC vaccinesAntigen-loaded dendritic cellsGenetically modified DC-based immunotherapy

Dendritic cells are genetically modified (via viral vectors, mRNA electroporation, or DNA transfection) to express specific tumor-associated antigens (TAAs). These cells then process and present the antigens on their surface via MHC class I and II molecules to naive T-cells, inducing a targeted cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response and helper T-cell activation against tumor cells expressing those antigens (Source: PubMed, PMID: 29338719).