Identification of B cell antigens in solid cancer: initial insights and functional implications
Jung-In Yang1, Philip Moresco1,2,3, Douglas Fearon1,4
1Cancer Center, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, United States.
Frontiers in Immunology
|May 13, 2025
Summary
This review highlights B cell antigens in cancer, which have been overlooked compared to T cell antigens. Recent advances enable identification of these B cell targets, including viral and autoantigens, crucial for cancer immunity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- T cell antigens dominate cancer research, neglecting B cell antigens despite their role in adaptive immunity.
- Traditional methods for studying B cell antigens rely on polyclonal antibodies in serum.
- Advances in single-cell sequencing offer new avenues for investigating B cell antigen specificity within the tumor microenvironment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current understanding of B cell-directed cancer antigens.
- To categorize identified B cell antigens into viral and non-viral (autoantigens).
- To discuss B cell functions in cancer related to antigen specificity and explore translational potential.
Main Methods:
- Leveraging immunoglobulin single-cell sequencing.
- Utilizing recombinant monoclonal antibody production.
- Employing cancer binding screening and antigen identification techniques.
Main Results:
- Initial insights into B cell cancer antigens have been gathered.
- B cell antigens are categorized into cancer-associated viral and non-viral types (including autoantigens).
- B cell functions are classified based on antigen specificity: antibody effector functions, T cell activation, and secretion.
Conclusions:
- B cell antigens represent a critical, yet understudied, area in cancer immunology.
- Technological advancements are crucial for identifying and characterizing B cell cancer antigens.
- Understanding B cell antigen specificity and function holds significant translational potential for cancer therapies.
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