Tumor antigen

Tumor antigen is a substance produced by a tumor or by the host in response to a tumor, that can be used to differentiate a tumor cell from a normal cell. Tumor antigens are often proteins or other macromolecules. They are typically processed by the immune system, which then mounts a response against them.

Types of Tumor Antigens

There are several types of tumor antigens, including:

• Tumor-specific antigens (TSAs): These are antigens that are present only on tumor cells and not on normal cells. They are unique to each individual tumor and are therefore highly specific.

• Tumor-associated antigens (TAAs): These are antigens that are present on both tumor cells and normal cells, but are overexpressed in tumor cells. They are not as specific as TSAs, but are more common.

• Viral antigens: These are antigens that are produced by viruses that cause certain types of cancer. They are present on the surface of the virus-infected tumor cells.

Role in Cancer Immunotherapy

Tumor antigens play a crucial role in cancer immunotherapy. They are used to stimulate the immune system to attack tumor cells. This can be done in several ways:

• Vaccine therapy: Tumor antigens are used to create vaccines that stimulate the immune system to attack tumor cells.

• Adoptive cell transfer: T cells are removed from the patient, modified to recognize tumor antigens, and then reinfused into the patient.

• Checkpoint inhibitors: These drugs work by blocking proteins that prevent T cells from attacking tumor cells. The T cells can then recognize and attack the tumor antigens.

See Also

• Cancer immunotherapy
• Tumor-specific antigen
• Tumor-associated antigen
• Viral antigen

References

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