Tumor stromal and microenvironment-associated antigens (TME antigens)

Tumor stromal and microenvironment-associated antigens represent a diverse group of molecules expressed by the non-malignant components of a tumor, including cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), endothelial cells, and the extracellular matrix (ECM) (PMID: 32014369). These antigens, such as Fibroblast Activation Protein (FAP) and various Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) receptors, play critical roles in supporting tumor growth, promoting angiogenesis, and maintaining an immunosuppressive environment (PMID: 30809444). Unlike traditional tumor-associated antigens expressed by the cancer cells themselves, these targets are often more genetically stable, potentially reducing the likelihood of resistance through antigen loss (PMID: 28131060). Therapeutic strategies targeting these antigens aim to disrupt the supportive soil that facilitates tumor progression, often by depleting supportive cells or normalizing the tumor vasculature to enhance the delivery of other therapies. However, because many of these antigens are also involved in normal physiological processes like wound healing and tissue repair, targeting them carries significant risks of systemic toxicity and impaired recovery from injury (PMID: 31647316). Consequently, while they represent promising therapeutic targets, careful selection and dosing are required to balance efficacy with safety.

Other names

Tumor microenvironment antigensStromal antigensTME-associated antigensCancer-associated stroma antigens

Therapeutic agents targeting these antigens work by depleting cancer-associated fibroblasts, inhibiting pro-angiogenic signaling through VEGF receptors, or remodeling the extracellular matrix to improve drug penetration and immune cell access (PMID: 28131060).