Cancer testis antigens in cancer immunotherapy

Low toxicity, oncospecificity, immunogenicity and relatively frequent expression of CT antigens in many types of cancer justify their use in cancer immunotherapy. This review presents the data on CTA use in new clinical approaches to the malignant process control, developed from the ideas of the anti-tumor immunity mechanisms. In particular, we highlight the results of application of immune checkpoint inhibitors, external correction of the immune response by vaccination with ex vivo generated dendritic cells, natural killer cells and T-lymphocytes; induction and synchronization of CTA expression with DNA hypomethylating agents to enhance the immunogenicity of cancer cells, etc. As a result, we demonstrate the need for rethinking current clinical strategies in terms of the choice of chemotherapeutic agents and immunotherapy design, which will significantly increase the effectiveness of cancer treatment.