Tumor-specific receptor

Tumor-specific receptors (TSRs) represent a diverse group of cell-surface proteins that are either uniquely expressed on malignant cells or significantly overexpressed compared to healthy tissues [PMID: 26667331]. These receptors often play a central role in the pathophysiology of cancer by mediating signals that drive uncontrolled cell growth, survival, and metabolic reprogramming [PMID: 21376230]. Because of their differential expression, they serve as the primary targets for a wide array of precision oncology treatments, including monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies [PMID: 30333518]. For instance, targeting receptors like the mutated Epidermal growth factor receptor variant III (EGFRvIII) or the overexpressed Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) allows for the selective delivery of therapeutic agents to malignant cells [PMID: 29305589]. Despite their promise, the effectiveness of targeting these receptors is often limited by factors such as antigen escape, where tumor cells downregulate the target receptor to evade treatment, and on-target, off-tumor toxicities if the receptor is present at low levels in vital organs [PMID: 31019211]. Consequently, identifying truly tumor-specific receptors remains a high priority in the development of next-generation cancer immunotherapies.

Other names

Tumor-specific antigenTSACancer-specific receptorNeoantigen receptorTumor-associated receptor

Targeting of unique or overexpressed surface proteins to induce cell death, inhibit downstream signaling, or recruit immune effector cells.