Ma3P-Q

Ma3P-Q is an experimental peptide-based cancer vaccine designed to target the shedding of MICA and MICB (MHC class I polypeptide-related sequence A/B) from the surface of tumor cells. MICA/B are stress-induced ligands that normally activate NK cells and CD8+ T cells via the NKG2D receptor; however, tumors often evade this immune surveillance by shedding these ligands into a soluble form. Ma3P-Q consists of the Ma3P peptide epitope derived from the α3 domain of MICA/B, formulated with the saponin-based adjuvant Quil A. By inducing the production of specific antibodies that bind to the α3 domain, the vaccine prevents the proteolytic cleavage (shedding) of MICA/B. This stabilization of surface MICA/B enhances the recognition and destruction of tumor cells by the immune system. Preclinical studies have demonstrated its efficacy in reducing metastases in mouse models of lung, colon, and melanoma cancers.

Other names

Ma3P vaccineMa-3P vaccineMa 3P vaccineMICA/B alpha3 peptide vaccine