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Tumour-associated antigens: considerations for their use in tumour immunotherapy
Adam J Linley1, Murrium Ahmad1, Robert C Rees2
1The John van Geest Cancer Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Lane, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK.
Abstract:
Since their discovery, tumour-associated antigens (TAA) have provided highly inviting targets for cancer therapy, especially immunotherapy. Evidence now points to their involvement in the malignant phenotype of transformed cells and heightens their importance for being targeted by different treatments. TAA vary in their nature and pattern of expression and this influences the way therapy is directed towards them. While large numbers of these antigens have been isolated from solid tumours, fewer are linked with haematological malignancies. Those TAA found in this latter group of cancers, referred to as leukaemia-associated antigens (LAA), also appear to have significant potential for promoting the malignant phenotype and have been described in detail in terms of expression and therapy. Interestingly, the action of some of LAA in blood cancers, which are stem cell derived, could act as model for solid tumours, which are increasingly thought to be also derived from a cancer stem cell origin. In this review, TAA and their use in immunotherapy will be discussed. The nature and expression of these antigens will be described together with the events that provide tumours, including haematological cancers, with the ability to avoid immune deletion.
Insights
Tumour-associated antigens (TAA) are promising targets for cancer immunotherapy. Leukaemia-associated antigens (LAA) in blood cancers may inform solid tumour treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Tumour-associated antigens (TAA) are crucial targets in cancer therapy, particularly for immunotherapy.
- TAA play a role in the malignant phenotype of cancer cells, making them important therapeutic targets.
- While numerous TAA are identified in solid tumors, fewer are associated with hematological malignancies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review tumour-associated antigens (TAA) and their application in cancer immunotherapy.
- To discuss the nature and expression patterns of TAA and leukaemia-associated antigens (LAA).
- To explore how TAA and LAA contribute to tumour immune evasion.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on TAA and LAA in cancer immunotherapy.
- Analysis of TAA and LAA expression in solid tumors and hematological malignancies.
- Examination of the role of TAA and LAA in promoting malignant phenotypes and immune evasion.
Main Results:
- TAA are vital targets for immunotherapy, with varying expression influencing treatment approaches.
- Leukaemia-associated antigens (LAA) are TAA found in hematological cancers, implicated in malignant progression.
- The study of LAA in stem cell-derived blood cancers may offer insights into solid tumor origins and treatments.
Conclusions:
- TAA and LAA represent significant targets for developing novel cancer immunotherapies.
- Understanding TAA and LAA expression is key to designing effective targeted treatments.
- Further research into LAA could provide models for treating solid tumors, potentially via cancer stem cell targeting.
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