Tumor Neoantigen-Specific Cytotoxicity

Tumor neoantigen-specific cytotoxicity refers to the immune system’s ability—primarily via cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs)—to recognize and destroy tumor cells that present unique, mutated peptides known as neoantigens. These neoantigens are derived from somatic mutations in tumor cells and are not found in normal tissues, making them highly specific targets for immune recognition. It forms the basis for some of today’s most promising personalized cancer immunotherapies due to its specificity, efficacy potential, and safety profile compared to other antigen-targeted strategies.

Other names

Neoantigen-specific T cell responseNeoantigen-targeted immunotherapyAnti-tumor immunity via neoantigens

Recognition and killing of tumor cells presenting neoantigen-MHC complexes by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs)