B-cell-specific Oct-binding protein 1-derived peptide–HLA-B*07:02 complex (BOB1–HLA-B*07:02)

The B-cell-specific Oct-binding protein 1 (BOB1)-derived peptide–HLA-B*07:02 complex is a specific peptide-major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) that serves as a target for cancer immunotherapy, particularly in B-cell malignancies. BOB1, also known as POU2AF1 or OBF-1, is a transcriptional coactivator (UniProt: Q16633) essential for the formation of germinal centers and the differentiation of B-cells into plasma cells (PubMed: 25533037). Because BOB1 is highly and specifically expressed in the B-cell lineage, its derived peptides presented by HLA-B*07:02 are considered tumor-associated antigens in diseases such as multiple myeloma and B-cell lymphomas (PubMed: 28416541). The complex is recognized by the T-cell receptors (TCRs) of engineered T-cells, which are designed to induce a cytotoxic immune response against cells presenting this specific antigen. This targeting strategy aims to provide a high degree of specificity for malignant B-cells while minimizing damage to non-hematopoietic tissues. However, a primary therapeutic challenge is the potential for B-cell aplasia, as healthy B-cells also express the BOB1 protein. Current research focuses on optimizing TCR affinity to maximize efficacy against tumors while monitoring for systemic inflammatory responses like cytokine release syndrome.

Other names

POU2AF1-derived peptide–HLA-B*07:02 complexOBF-1–HLA-B*07:02 complexBOB.1–HLA-B*07:02 complexBOB1(44-52)–HLA-B*07:02 complex

T-cell receptor-mediated recognition of the peptide-MHC complex leading to cytotoxic T-lymphocyte activation and tumor cell lysis.