Aldehyde dehydrogenase-derived peptide antigens (ALDH-derived peptides)

Aldehyde dehydrogenase-derived peptide antigens are specific amino acid sequences derived from the ALDH enzyme family, most notably ALDH1A1, which are presented on the cell surface by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules. Aldehyde dehydrogenases are critical enzymes involved in the detoxification of endogenous and exogenous aldehydes and are highly expressed in cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are responsible for tumor initiation, chemoresistance, and metastasis (Visus et al., 2011, Clinical Cancer Research). Because CSCs often escape conventional therapies, these ALDH-derived peptides serve as vital targets for cancer immunotherapies, including peptide-based vaccines and adoptive T-cell transfers. By targeting these antigens, the immune system can specifically identify and eliminate the resilient CSC population, potentially preventing disease recurrence. Clinical research has focused on HLA-A2-restricted peptides, such as ALDH1A1_88-96, to stimulate cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses in patients with various malignancies, including head and neck, breast, and colon cancers (Carpentino et al., 2009, Cancer Research).

Other names

ALDH peptide antigensALDH1A1-derived peptidesCancer stem cell-associated ALDH peptidesALDH1-A2 peptides

Induction of a specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response against cells overexpressing aldehyde dehydrogenase, particularly cancer stem cells, leading to targeted cell lysis via MHC class I presentation.