tumour-specific antigen

Tumor-specific antigens are unique markers found on the surface of cancer cells that are not present on normal cells. These antigens are fragments of novel peptides, which are small proteins derived from mutated proteins or proteins not normally expressed in healthy cells. When bound to major histocompatibility complex class I molecules, they are recognized by T lymphocytes (T cells), which can then eliminate the tumor cells. The immune system's ability to distinguish cancer cells from normal cells is crucial in fighting the disease. The first tumor identified with a tumor-specific antigen was malignant melanoma, and spontaneous regression of some melanomas suggests the immune system can be effective against them.12