Tumor-associated cell surface antigen (TAA) (TAA)

Tumor-associated cell surface antigens (TAAs) are a broad class of molecules, including proteins, glycoproteins, and glycolipids, that are preferentially expressed on the surface of cancer cells (National Cancer Institute, 2024). These antigens serve as the primary targets for Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs), which leverage the specificity of monoclonal antibodies to deliver cytotoxic agents directly to the tumor site (Bross et al., 2021). In the context of the Accum-ADC platform developed by Defense Therapeutics, the antibody component is designed to bind these TAAs to initiate receptor-mediated endocytosis (Defense Therapeutics, 2024). The unique Accum technology then facilitates the escape of the ADC from the endosome into the cytosol or nucleus, bypassing the lysosomal degradation pathway that often limits the efficacy of traditional ADCs (Defense Therapeutics, 2024). By targeting specific TAAs such as HER2, Trop-2, or Nectin-4, this approach aims to maximize intracellular drug concentration and overcome therapeutic resistance (Moutafi et al., 2022). Consequently, these antigens are pivotal for the selective action of Accum-enhanced biologics in various oncological indications.

Other names

Tumor-associated antigenTumor surface antigenCancer-associated antigenCell surface tumor antigen

The antibody component of the Accum-ADC binds to specific tumor-associated cell surface antigens, triggering receptor-mediated endocytosis. Following internalization, the Accum technology facilitates the escape of the conjugate from the endosome into the cytosol or nucleus, preventing lysosomal degradation and enhancing the delivery of the cytotoxic payload to its intracellular target.