DEP domain-containing protein 1 (DEPDC1) (DEPDC1)

DEP domain-containing protein 1 (DEPDC1) is a highly conserved protein that plays a critical role in cell cycle progression and transcriptional regulation, specifically through its interaction with the zinc finger protein ZNF224 (UniProt: Q5TB30). It is characterized as a cancer-testis antigen, meaning it is significantly overexpressed in a wide variety of malignancies—including bladder, lung, and breast cancers—while remaining largely absent in normal adult tissues, with the exception of the testis (PubMed: 22353340). This expression profile makes DEPDC1-derived peptide epitopes attractive targets for cancer immunotherapy, specifically peptide-based vaccines. These vaccines aim to stimulate the host's immune system to generate cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) that recognize DEPDC1 peptides presented by Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) molecules on the surface of tumor cells (PubMed: 24433470). Clinical trials have investigated these epitopes, such as the HLA-A*24:02-restricted peptide DEPDC1-9-294, often in combination with other tumor-associated antigens to treat advanced or refractory cancers (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00910598). The therapeutic goal is to induce a targeted anti-tumor immune response while minimizing systemic toxicity due to the restricted expression of the target in healthy tissues.

Other names

DEPDC1ADEP domain containing 1Cancer/testis antigen 155CT155SDP35DEPDC1-derived peptide epitopes

DEPDC1-derived peptide epitopes act as antigens that are presented by HLA molecules on the surface of tumor cells. Vaccines containing these epitopes stimulate the production of antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), which recognize the peptide-HLA complex and induce apoptosis in the target cancer cells (PubMed: 22353340).