Tumor-associated peptide antigen (TAA)

Tumor-associated peptide antigens (TUMAPs) are short amino acid sequences derived from proteins that are overexpressed or mutated in cancer cells, which are presented on the cell surface by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules. When these antigens are presented by dendritic cells, they act as critical triggers for the adaptive immune system, specifically priming naive T-cells to recognize and destroy tumor cells (Source: Banchereau & Steinman, Nature, 1998). This mechanism is the foundation for various immunotherapies, including peptide-based vaccines and dendritic cell vaccines, which aim to enhance the body's natural anti-tumor response (Source: National Cancer Institute). By identifying peptides that are highly specific to tumor tissue, researchers can develop therapies that minimize damage to healthy cells while maximizing the destruction of the cancer (Source: Immatics N.V.). However, the effectiveness of these treatments can be hindered by the tumor's ability to downregulate MHC expression or the presence of an immunosuppressive microenvironment (Source: Sahin & Türeci, Science, 2018).

Other names

Tumor-associated peptideTUMAPTumor-associated antigenMHC-peptide complexCancer-associated antigenTumor epitope

Induction of antigen-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte response through MHC-peptide-TCR interaction