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Universal tumor antigens as targets for immunotherapy
1Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Cytotherapy
|October 25, 2002
Summary
Identifying universal tumor antigens (TAAs) is key for cancer immunotherapy. Reverse immunology enables screening proteins for immunogenic epitopes, aiding in the development of novel cancer treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Genomics
Background:
- Successful cancer immunotherapy relies on identifying tumor rejection antigens.
- Traditional methods involve analyzing patient T-cell or antibody responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advances in identifying universal tumor-associated antigens (TAAs).
- To discuss the potential of TAAs in cancer immunotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing the human genome and reverse immunology techniques.
- Screening proteins for immunogenic epitopes to characterize tumor-associated gene products.
Main Results:
- Four candidate universal TAAs are discussed: hTERT, survivin, MDM2, and CYP1B1.
- These antigens are at various stages of preclinical and clinical development.
Conclusions:
- Universal TAAs are expressed in most tumors but not normal tissues, playing a role in malignancy.
- Peptides from TAAs on tumor surfaces may activate pre-existing T-cells for in vivo anti-tumor responses.