X antigen family member 1 (XAGE1)

X antigen family member 1 (XAGE1), also known as XAGE-1 or CT12.1, is a member of the cancer/testis (CT) antigen family. Under normal physiological conditions, its expression is strictly restricted to the germ cells of the testis, where it is sequestered from the immune system. However, XAGE1 is frequently overexpressed on the surface of various malignant cells, particularly in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), melanoma, and prostate cancer. Due to its highly restricted expression in normal tissues and high immunogenicity in cancer patients, it serves as a promising target for cancer immunotherapy, including vaccines and adoptive T-cell therapies. Drugs targeting XAGE1 aim to induce a specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte response against tumor cells while sparing healthy somatic tissues.

Other names

X antigen family member 1XAGE-1XAGE1BGAGED2Cancer/testis antigen 12.1CT12.1

Active immunotherapy (vaccination) to induce tumor-specific T-cell responses; Adoptive cell transfer using TCR-engineered T cells to recognize XAGE1 epitopes presented on MHC.