Tumor-associated vascular endothelial cell surface antigens (TVAs)

Tumor-associated vascular endothelial cell surface antigens (TVAs) represent a diverse group of proteins that are selectively or preferentially overexpressed on the surface of endothelial cells within the tumor microenvironment. This category includes well-characterized molecules such as Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptors (VEGFR1 and VEGFR2), Endoglin (CD105), and various Tumor Endothelial Markers (TEMs) like TEM1 (Endosialin/CD248) and TEM8 (ANTXR1). These antigens play critical roles in tumor angiogenesis, providing the necessary blood supply for tumor growth, survival, and metastatic spread. Because they are physically accessible on the luminal surface of tumor vessels and often exhibit tumor-specific expression patterns, they are attractive targets for various therapeutic modalities, including monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, CAR-T cells, and cancer vaccines like ValloVax. Targeting these antigens aims to disrupt the tumor's nutrient supply and inhibit metastasis by destroying or normalizing the pathological vasculature. However, therapeutic challenges include the risk of affecting physiological angiogenesis in healthy tissues, leading to potential systemic toxicities such as hypertension, hemorrhage, and impaired wound healing.

Other names

Tumor Endothelial MarkersTEMsTumor-associated endothelial antigensAngiogenesis-associated antigensTumor-associated vascular endothelial cell surface antigens (TVAs)

Inhibition of tumor angiogenesis and disruption of the tumor vascular network through targeted binding to surface antigens on endothelial cells, leading to nutrient deprivation and induction of anti-tumor immunity.