Cell division cycle-associated protein 1 (CDCA1) (CDCA1)

Cell division cycle-associated protein 1 (CDCA1), also known as NUF2, is a critical component of the highly conserved NDC80 kinetochore complex, which plays an essential role in chromosome segregation by mediating the attachment of spindle microtubules to kinetochores during mitosis. CDCA1 is characterized as a tumor-associated antigen (TAA) because it is significantly overexpressed in a wide variety of solid tumors—including lung, gastric, and colorectal cancers—while remaining virtually undetectable in normal adult tissues, with the exception of the testis. This differential expression profile makes CDCA1-derived peptide epitopes attractive targets for cancer immunotherapy. Therapeutic strategies typically involve the administration of specific CDCA1 peptide sequences (such as those restricted to HLA-A*24:02 or HLA-A*02:01) to stimulate a host's cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response. These induced CTLs specifically recognize and eliminate cancer cells presenting CDCA1 fragments on their surface, offering a precision medicine approach to treating refractory or advanced malignancies.

Other names

NUF2 component of NDC80 kinetochore complexNUF2CDCA1-derived peptideKinetochore protein Nuf2NUF2R

Induction of antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) that recognize and lyse CDCA1-expressing tumor cells via HLA-restricted peptide presentation.