Tumor-specific peptide antigen (TSA)

Tumor-specific peptide antigens (TSAs) are short peptide fragments uniquely presented on the surface of tumor cells by MHC molecules; they arise from cancer-specific genomic alterations (such as mutations, indels, fusions) or abnormal mRNA splicing, and less commonly from tumor-restricted post-translational modifications[1][2][3][4][5]. The recognition of TSAs by cytotoxic T lymphocytes underpins modern immunotherapeutic strategies, as these antigens are absent from normal tissues (except rare exceptions like cancer-testis antigens), minimizing the risk of autoimmunity[1][4][5]. “Neoantigens” are a subset of TSAs arising specifically from tumors’ unique genetic mutations[3][4][5]. TSAs are central to the success of cancer vaccines and personalized immunotherapies, but their therapeutic exploitation is complicated by tumor heterogeneity, variable immunogenicity, and obstacles in antigen identification and presentation[3][4][5].

Other names

Tumor-specific antigenTSANeoantigen

Immune stimulation (activation of cytotoxic T cells against tumor cells displaying TSAs)