Autologous melanoma-associated antigen repertoire presented by MHC on dendritic cells

The autologous melanoma-associated antigen repertoire presented by MHC on dendritic cells refers to the personalized set of tumor-derived peptides displayed by a patient's own professional antigen-presenting cells (PubMed: 30633911). This repertoire typically includes both shared tumor-associated antigens, such as MART-1 or gp100, and unique neoantigens resulting from somatic mutations within the individual's tumor (NCI). By utilizing dendritic cells to present these antigens via MHC Class I and II molecules, the immune system is trained to recognize the specific molecular signature of the patient's malignancy. This approach is the foundation of autologous dendritic cell vaccines, which aim to overcome tumor-induced immunosuppression and elicit a robust, systemic T-cell response (PubMed: 29345550). In clinical practice, this strategy is employed to treat advanced melanoma, often in combination with checkpoint inhibitors to enhance efficacy. The complexity of the repertoire allows for a multi-epitope attack, potentially reducing the likelihood of tumor escape through antigen loss.

Other names

Autologous tumor-associated antigensMelanoma-associated antigen (MAA) repertoireTumor lysate-pulsed dendritic cellsPersonalized melanoma neoantigens

Induction of tumor-specific T-cell immunity through the presentation of autologous tumor antigens by dendritic cells to naive T cells (PubMed: 30633911).