CD8+ T-cell receptor recognizing MHC-I–presented camyotope peptides (TCR (camyotope-specific))

The CD8+ T-cell receptor (TCR) recognizing MHC-I–presented camyotope peptides is a specialized immune receptor that identifies novel tumor-associated antigens derived from long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) [1, 3]. Camyotopes are immunogenic epitopes translated from small open reading frames (smORFs) within lncRNAs (camyoRNAs) that are specifically overexpressed in cancer tissues, such as colorectal cancer [2, 3]. These TCRs serve as the critical recognition unit for immunotherapies designed to target the dark matter of the cancer genome, which remains largely untapped by conventional neoantigen vaccines [1]. Upon binding to the camyotope-MHC-I complex on the surface of tumor cells, the TCR initiates a signaling cascade that activates the CD8+ T cell's cytotoxic machinery, including the release of granzymes and perforins [2]. This interaction is the basis for therapeutic strategies like the CAMYO-01 mRNA vaccine and TCR-engineered T-cell (TCR-T) therapies, which aim to induce or provide a robust T-cell response against tumors with low mutational burdens [1, 3]. By targeting shared lncRNA-derived antigens, these TCRs offer a potential off-the-shelf solution for a broad patient population [1].

Other names

Camyotope-specific T-cell receptorlncRNA-derived neoantigen-specific TCRTCR recognizing cryptic tumor epitopes

Recognition of MHC-I presented camyotopes (lncRNA-derived peptides) leading to T-cell activation and tumor cell lysis.