Associated with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Differentiation antigen found on rare early stage B lymphocytes. Since it's not on bone marrow stem cells, can be used to kill off all leukemic cells without permanently damaging the immune system. TfR found on most dividing cells while IL2R found only on cells of the immune system. Found in fetal liver and in adult liver tumors.
Patients have high levels of anti-AFP antibodies in blood.
Tumor antigens with unusual glycosylation - tumor cells may have shorter or less branched sugar chains of lack terminal sialic acid. Mucins are heavily glycosylated molecules found on some tumors, especially breast cancers. I is associated with poor prognosis. From the Immune System Areas such as the brain are protected from an immune response by the blood-brain barrier and make good sites for tumor cell growth. Also, some tumors make thick capsules that impede immune responses.