Tumor surface antigen

Tumor surface antigens are a heterogeneous group of molecules found on the surface of cancer cells that can be recognized by the immune system. This group includes tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), which are overexpressed or aberrantly expressed on cancer cells but may also be found at lower levels on normal cells, as well as tumor-specific antigens (TSAs or “neoantigens”), which arise from unique mutations and are found exclusively on tumor cells. These antigens serve as targets for various immunotherapies, such as monoclonal antibodies and T cell-based therapies, and some also act as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and patient selection. Because “tumor surface antigens” refers to a wide array of possible molecules (not a unique, canonical entity), it is not itself a specific target but a functional grouping critical for immunotherapy and diagnostics.

Other names

Tumor antigenTumor-associated antigen (TAA)Tumor-specific antigen (TSA)NeoantigenOncogenic antigen

Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) Immune checkpoint modulation Direct tumor cell lysis via T cell activation Blockade of oncogenic signaling