Alpha-1,6-mannosylglycoprotein 6-beta-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (MGAT5) peptide epitope (GnT-V peptide epitope)

The N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase V (GnT-V or MGAT5) peptide epitope is a specific amino acid sequence derived from the GnT-V enzyme, which is frequently overexpressed in various malignancies including melanoma and carcinomas of the colon and breast. In its biological role, the parent enzyme MGAT5 is responsible for the branching of N-glycans, a process that significantly influences cell-cell adhesion and signaling pathways associated with tumor metastasis and progression. As a therapeutic target, a specific 9-mer peptide (often VLPDVFIRC) is utilized in cancer immunotherapy to induce a targeted immune response. When presented by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I molecules, particularly HLA-A*0201, this epitope is recognized by cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Therapeutic strategies involve using the peptide as a vaccine to prime the immune system to identify and destroy GnT-V-positive tumor cells. Clinical research has focused on its potential to treat advanced solid tumors by enhancing the patient's endogenous anti-tumor immunity.

Other names

N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase V peptideMGAT5 peptideGnT-V-derived peptideMannoside acetylglucosaminyltransferase 5 peptide

The peptide acts as a tumor-associated antigen that, when administered as a vaccine, stimulates the production of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) specifically targeting cancer cells that overexpress the MGAT5 enzyme.