GeneMedi's Tumor-associated antigen (TAA) portfolio for anti-cancer drug discovery and mechanism of action (MOA) research.

GeneMedi’s Tumor-associated Antigen (TAA) is a series of research reagents that includes recombinant proteins, antibodies and over-expressed genes in tumor cells. These products can be used as useful approaches to discover and describe the molecular characteristics of potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.

Tumor associated antigens are proteins that are produced by the cancer cells and are usually recognized as foreign by the immune system. It has a very important function of distinguishing and eradicating of cancer cells from the organism. Tumor associated antigens are categorised depending on the molecular characteristics and their role in cancer. One widely used classification divides TAAs into two primary categories: These are called cross-reactive or shared antigens and the other is called non cross-reactive or unique antigens. Some of the general tumor markers include CEA, PSA and HER2/neu that are seen in different forms of cancer. The so called ‘tumor specific antigens’ like Melanoma Associated Antigen (MAGE), Cancer Testis Antigen (CTA) and New York Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma related antigen-1 (NY-ESO-1) are present only in certain types of cancers. As a result of identification and targeting of tumor associated antigens as well as pathways involved in the process, there has been the generation of a number of diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Monoclonal antibodies and cancer vaccines are already being employed to treat many forms of cancers thus making TAAs ideal for drug development. Further, TAAs can also be employed as tumour markers in some specific forms of cancer including CEA for colorectal cancer and PSA for prostate cancer.

Collectively, TAAs are promising for precision medicine and personalized therapies, including drug discovery and development, and are a relevant target for future research. GeneMedi offers the TAAs antibodies for different research purposes such as ELISA, affinity binding assays, drug screening and mechanism of action studies. Our pre-made monoclonal antibodies are expressed in mammalian cell lines for better quality and reliability and find application in a variety of areas of research including cell culture, development of assays, animals models, PK/PD models and MOA studies in biological drug discovery.

Q&A

Q1. What are tumor-associated antigens?
A1: Tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) are proteins expressed by cancer cells that are recognized by the immune system as foreign.

Q2. How are TAAs classified?
A2: TAAs can be classified based on their structural and functional properties into shared antigens and unique antigens.

Q3. What is the significance of identifying TAAs?
A3: The identification and targeting of TAAs and associated signaling pathways have led to the development of several diagnostic and therapeutic applications for cancer treatment.

Q4. What research products does GeneMedi offer for TAAs?
A4: GeneMedi offers a variety of research products, such as recombinant proteins, antibodies, and genes that are overexpressed in tumor cells.

Q5. What are the potential applications of TAAs?
A5: TAAs represent a promising target for personalized therapies and precision medicine, with significant potential for drug discovery and development. They also serve as diagnostic markers for certain cancers, such as CEA and PSA for colorectal and prostate cancer, respectively.