Tumor-Specific Dark Antigens presented by HLA Class I Molecule (TSDA-HLA-I)

Tumor-specific dark antigens presented by HLA class I molecules are a novel class of antigens derived from noncanonical sources within tumor cells. These antigens originate from atypical translation events such as upstream open reading frames (uORFs), 5′ untranslated regions (UTRs), non-coding RNAs, endogenous retroelements, pseudogenes, and out-of-frame transcripts. They are presented on the surface of cancer cells by HLA class I molecules and recognized by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), offering a promising avenue for developing highly specific cancer immunotherapies. Their expression is strictly dependent on both their expression in tumors and compatibility with patient-specific HLA alleles.

Other names

Dark AntigensDark Matter AntigensNoncanonical Tumor AntigensCryptic Tumor Antigens

T-cell receptor (TCR) engagement leading to cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activation and target cell lysis.