1. What are tumor antigen-specific T cells?

Tumor antigen-specific T cells are a very important concept when talking about immunotherapy for cancer. These T cells are the “warriors” of our immune system, they can specifically identify and attack tumor cells, just like a special force to fight the enemy precisely.

2. The relationship between T cells and tumors

T-cells are a kind of white blood cells in the human immune system, and its task is to patrol our body to find and eliminate “abnormal molecules”, including virus-infected cells and cancerous cells. Tumor antigen-specific T-cells are specialized T-cells that recognize unique “markers” (i.e., tumor antigens) on the surface of tumor cells.

3. What are tumor antigens?

Tumor antigens are specific proteins or molecules expressed on the surface or inside of tumor cells that are not present in normal cells or are present only at very low levels. Example:

Tumor-specific antigen

Tumor-specific antigens are like “ID cards” for cancer cells. Each tumor cell has its own unique signature that helps the immune system recognize it. Imagine these antigens as “masks” for the tumor cells that allow them to hide from the immune system. Tumor-specific antigens are the clues that lift the mask and allow the immune cells to recognize the “real thing”. By recognizing these specific antigens, T-cells are able to target and destroy cancer cells, helping the body to restore health.

Tumor-associated antigens

Although also found in normal cells, they are found in abnormally high numbers in tumor cells, such as certain fetal proteins (e.g., AFP or CEA). These antigens act as a “red flag”, flashing faintly in healthy cells, but becoming so visible in tumor cells that they are flagged by the immune system as suspicious targets.

4. The workflow of tumor antigen-specific T cells

Tumor antigen-specific T cells are like “detectives” and “warriors” in the immune system, and their work is divided into three main steps:

Recognition

The T-cell is like a clever detective, using its surface “eyes” (T-cell receptors) to scan every cell in the body for “ID” (tumor antigens). If it finds something unusual, an “imposter” like a tumor, it quickly targets it and prepares for action.

Activation

Once the target is detected, the T-cells are activated as if an alarm has been triggered and begin to proliferate rapidly, becoming stronger and forming a powerful “battle team” ready for the next step in the attack.

Attack

The activated T-cells act as warriors, releasing toxic molecules that directly attack and destroy the tumor cells, ensuring that they are no longer harmful to the body.

5. Summary

Tumor antigen-specific T cells are like the “elite special forces” of the immune system, responsible for identifying and destroying tumor cells. By finding unique “markers” on tumor cells, they can quickly target and accurately fight cancer cells, performing their tasks very efficiently. However, tumor cells are very smart, they are always “evolving”, changing their appearance or releasing some hidden signals to try to avoid the T-cells' attacks. To help these “elite fighters” fight better, scientists are constantly developing new technologies to enhance the ability of T cells to fight cancer more powerfully and precisely, bringing more hope to patients.

Tumor antigen-specific T cells are the mainstay of specifically recognizing and specifically killing tumor cells. As technology continues to advance, they will undoubtedly remain a key weapon in defeating cancer in the future.