BRAF-derived peptide-MHC complex (BRAF pMHC)

BRAF-derived peptide antigens presented on the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) are critical targets in cancer immunotherapy, particularly for tumors harboring the BRAF V600E mutation (Sensi et al., 2006). These antigens are formed when the mutated BRAF protein is processed by the cellular machinery into short peptides, which are then loaded onto MHC Class I or Class II molecules and displayed on the cell surface (Veatch et al., 2018). Because the V600E mutation is a neoantigen absent in normal tissues, these complexes provide a highly specific target for the immune system to distinguish malignant cells from healthy ones (Sharkey et al., 2004). Therapeutic strategies targeting these complexes include neoantigen vaccines designed to prime the patient's own T cells and adoptive cell therapies using T cells engineered with T-cell receptors (TCRs) specific for the BRAF-MHC complex (NCT02424370). Such interventions aim to induce a robust, mutation-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response to eliminate cancer cells. However, challenges include the requirement for specific HLA genotypes in patients and the potential for tumor escape through MHC downregulation or loss of the mutant allele.

Other names

BRAF V600E neoantigenBRAF-derived MHC-restricted antigenBRAF V600E peptide-HLA complexBRAF neoepitopeBRAF-derived pMHC

Induction of T-cell mediated immune recognition and destruction of cells displaying BRAF-derived mutant peptides via MHC restriction.