How Do Tumor Antigens Contribute to Cancer Immunotherapy?
Tumor antigens are pivotal in the development of cancer immunotherapy. They serve as targets for various immunotherapeutic approaches, such as:
1. Cancer Vaccines: These vaccines aim to elicit an immune response specifically against tumor antigens. By introducing these antigens to the immune system, vaccines help train the body to recognize and attack cancer cells.
2. Monoclonal Antibodies: These are lab-made molecules that can bind to specific tumor antigens, marking cancer cells for destruction by the immune system. Examples include trastuzumab (targeting HER2) and rituximab (targeting CD20).
3. T-Cell Receptor (TCR) Engineering: This involves modifying T-cells to express receptors that specifically recognize tumor antigens, enhancing their ability to target and kill cancer cells.
