Neoantigens are unique markers that appear on cancer cells because of changes (mutations) in their DNA. These mutations create new, abnormal proteins not found in healthy cells. The body's immune system can recognize these markers as "foreign" because they are different from the normal proteins in the body.
T cells, which are part of the immune system, can detect these neoantigens. They bind to the neoantigens displayed on the surface of cancer cells, which signals the T cells to attack and destroy the cancer cells.
Neoantigens are better targets for cancer treatment because they are unique to cancer cells and do not exist in healthy cells. This means treatments that focus on neoantigens are more precise, reducing the risk of harming normal cells and making them a powerful tool for personalized cancer therapies.