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Updated: Jun 30, 2026

In Vivo Immunofluorescence Localization for Assessment of Therapeutic and Diagnostic Antibody Biodistribution in Cancer Research
Published on: September 16, 2019
Antibody-based identification of cell surface antigens: targets for cancer therapy
1Raven Biotechnologies, Inc., One Corporate Drive, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
Abstract:
The identification of novel cell surface antigens present on tumor cells is crucial for developing new cancer therapies. Intact, viable cancer cells, which display cancer-restricted antigens in their native conformation and cellular context, provide a rich source of novel antigens. Antibody-based technologies are being used to probe the surface of intact cancer cells for cancer-specific antigen targets. In addition to identifying new proteins, these approaches are generating monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to cancer-specific epitopes and nonprotein targets not amenable to genomics-based approaches. The multiple cell-based approaches developing epitope-specific MAbs to cancer antigens is likely to usher in a new era of therapeutic MAb target discovery.
Insights
Identifying novel cell surface antigens on intact cancer cells is key for new cancer therapies. Antibody technologies are discovering cancer-specific targets and generating therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) for improved treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Novel cell surface antigens on tumor cells are critical for advancing cancer therapies.
- Intact, viable cancer cells present antigens in their native conformation, serving as a valuable source for discovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel cancer-specific antigen targets using cell-based approaches.
- To generate therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against these identified antigens.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing antibody-based technologies to probe the surface of intact cancer cells.
- Employing cell-based strategies for the development of epitope-specific MAbs.
Main Results:
- Discovery of new cancer-specific protein and nonprotein targets.
- Generation of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) targeting cancer-specific epitopes.
Conclusions:
- Cell-based approaches are effective for identifying novel cancer antigens and developing therapeutic MAbs.
- This strategy is poised to revolutionize the discovery of targets for antibody-based cancer therapies.
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