neoantigen load
Quantitative measure of tumor-specific antigens generated by somatic mutations that can trigger immune responses.
Full Definition
Neoantigen load quantifies the number of novel protein sequences created by tumor-specific mutations that can potentially be recognized as foreign by the immune system. These neoantigens arise from frameshift mutations, missense mutations, and gene fusions that produce altered peptide sequences absent from normal tissue. High neoantigen load correlates with improved response to immunotherapy, particularly checkpoint inhibitors, as tumors with more foreign antigens are more likely to elicit robust immune responses. Computational prediction algorithms combine mutation data with HLA typing to estimate neoantigen burden and quality.
Usage
Usage note: Use 'load' rather than 'burden' in clinical contexts; specify prediction method when reporting computational estimates.
In Context
- "High neoantigen load predicted exceptional response to checkpoint inhibitor therapy." — Immunooncology research report
- "Computational analysis estimated neoantigen load at 150 predicted epitopes per tumor." — Molecular pathology report