Do cancer cells have abnormal antigens?

Yes, cancer cells often express abnormal antigens, known as tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) or neoantigens, which can arise from mutations in the tumor DNA. These abnormal proteins can trigger an immune response, as they are recognized by the immune system as foreign. Some cancer treatments, like immunotherapy, aim to harness this immune response to target and destroy cancer cells. However, the extent and nature of these antigens can vary significantly between different cancer types and even among individual tumors.