Tumor cell membrane antigen

Tumor cell membrane antigens are a heterogeneous group of molecules expressed on the surface of cancer cells and are key targets for cancer immunotherapy, monoclonal antibodies, cancer vaccines, and molecular imaging. These antigens include cell surface receptors, adhesion molecules, enzymes, transporters, glycoproteins, and mutated or aberrantly expressed proteins. Their accessibility on the cell surface makes them attractive for therapeutic targeting, but heterogeneity and shared expression with normal cells can present challenges for selective targeting and safety. Examples of clinically targeted membrane antigens include HER2, EGFR, CD20, and PD-L1. Precise identification of relevant membrane antigens is crucial for effective and safe therapy.

Other names

tumor-associated membrane antigencancer cell surface antigentumor-associated antigen (when restricted to cell membrane)

Direct cytotoxicity via antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC); Complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC); Blockade of ligand–receptor signaling; Induction of immune response by recognition of tumor antigens; Delivery of cytotoxic payloads (as with ADCs)