Tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens and glycolipids (TACAs) (TACAs)

Tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens and glycolipids (TACAs) are a diverse group of molecules characterized by aberrant glycosylation patterns on the surface of cancer cells [1]. These modifications result from the dysregulation of glycosyltransferases and glycosidases, leading to the expression of neoantigens such as GD2, Lewis Y, and Sialyl-Tn [2]. TACAs play critical roles in tumor progression by facilitating cell-cell adhesion, promoting metastasis through selectin binding, and enabling immune evasion via interactions with inhibitory receptors like Siglecs [1, 2]. As therapeutic targets, they are exploited through the development of monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, and cancer vaccines [3]. While they offer high tumor specificity in many cases, challenges include the inherently low immunogenicity of carbohydrates and potential off-target toxicities in tissues where these glycans are physiologically expressed at lower levels [3, 4].

Other names

Cancer-associated glycans and lipids on tumor cellsTumor-associated carbohydrate antigensTumor-associated glycolipidsTACAsAberrant tumor glycosylation products

Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), and the induction of active humoral immunity through vaccination [3, 4].