Next-generation cancer vaccines: targeting cryptic and non-canonical antigens for precision immunotherapy

Cancer immunotherapy has revolutionized oncology by harnessing the immune system to target tumor cells. Cancer vaccines that trigger immune responses specific to tumors are becoming more and more popular among new approaches. Nevertheless, traditional tumour-associated antigens are susceptible to immune tolerance and frequently show low immunogenicity. The revolutionary potential of cryptic and non-canonical antigens as new targets for precision immunotherapy is examined in this review. Due to their enhanced tumor selectivity and ability to evade central tolerance, these unconventional antigens present encouraging options for vaccine development. This review examines the mechanisms underlying their antigen production, advanced technologies for their discovery, and various vaccine platforms, highlighting their potential to drive the next generation of cancer vaccines.