Tumor cell surface protein and glycan

Tumor cell surface proteins and glycans refer to a heterogeneous group of membrane-bound proteins and associated carbohydrates (glycans) that are aberrantly expressed or modified in cancer cells as compared to normal cells. These molecules play essential roles in cancer initiation, progression, immune evasion, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance by modifying cellular adhesion, migration, and communication with the tumor microenvironment. Key examples include tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens (TACAs) such as GD2, sialyl-Lewis x, Globo H, and mesothelin, which serve both as diagnostic biomarkers and targets for antibody-based immunotherapies, engineered T cell therapies (CAR-T), and glycan biosynthesis inhibitors. While they offer promising selectivity for cancer diagnosis and treatment, their diversity and the overlap with antigens expressed on normal tissues pose safety and specificity challenges for clinical targeting.

Other names

tumor-associated surface proteins and glycanstumor-associated carbohydrate antigens (TACAs)cancer cell surface biomarkers

Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), Blockade of cell adhesion/metastasis, Direct induction of tumor cell apoptosis/necrosis, Disruption of glycan-mediated immune evasion, Inhibition of glycan biosynthesis/glycosylation pathways