Tumor-associated surface antigens on ovarian cancer cells (TASA)

Tumor-associated surface antigens (TASAs) on ovarian cancer cells represent a diverse group of proteins, glycoproteins, and glycolipids that are overexpressed or aberrantly presented on the plasma membrane of malignant ovarian cells compared to normal tissues (NIH, 2025) [1.2.1]. These antigens, such as Mucin-16 (CA-125), Folate Receptor Alpha (FRα), Mesothelin, and Trop-2, play critical roles in tumor progression, including cell signaling, adhesion, and evasion of the immune system (MDPI, 2024) [1.1.1, 1.2.4]. In clinical practice, these molecules serve as vital biomarkers for diagnosis, monitoring treatment response, and predicting prognosis, with CA-125 being the most established (NIH, 2025) [1.1.1]. Furthermore, they are primary targets for modern precision therapies, including monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies (Frontiers, 2024) [1.1.3, 1.2.1]. For instance, Mirvetuximab soravtansine targets FRα to deliver a cytotoxic payload, while CA-125 is used both as a serum biomarker and a target for immunotherapeutic strategies (NIH, 2025) [1.2.1, 1.2.3]. The primary challenge in targeting these antigens lies in their heterogeneous expression within the tumor and potential 'on-target, off-tumor' toxicities in healthy tissues where low levels of these antigens may be present (MDPI, 2024) [1.2.4].

Other names

Tumor-associated antigensTAAsOvarian cancer surface markersOvarian cancer-associated antigens

Targeting of surface-expressed proteins to induce cell death through antibody-drug conjugates, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, or T-cell mediated lysis.