The CTAG1A antibody targets the Cancer-Testis Antigen 1A (CTAG1A), a protein encoded by the *CTAG1A* gene, also known as NY-ESO-1. This antigen belongs to the cancer-testis antigen (CTA) family, which is characterized by restricted expression in normal tissues (primarily testes and placenta) but aberrant overexpression in various malignancies, including melanoma, lung, breast, and ovarian cancers. CTAG1A’s immunogenic properties make it a prominent target for cancer immunotherapy and diagnostic research. Its expression in tumors is often associated with advanced disease stages and poor prognosis, highlighting its potential as a biomarker.
The CTAG1A antibody is widely used in research to detect CTAG1A protein expression via techniques like immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western blotting, and flow cytometry. Its applications extend to studying tumor-specific immune responses, as CTAG1A elicits spontaneous humoral and cellular immunity in cancer patients. This has spurred interest in CTAG1A-based vaccines, adoptive T-cell therapies, and checkpoint inhibitor combinations. Additionally, the antibody aids in identifying patients eligible for CTAG1A-targeted therapies. Despite its tumor-specific expression, CTAG1A’s role in normal physiology remains unclear, though its immunogenicity and restricted expression profile underscore its therapeutic appeal. Ongoing research focuses on optimizing detection methods and understanding mechanisms driving its immunogenicity to enhance clinical outcomes.