Ephrin type A receptor 2 (EphA2) (EphA2)

Ephrin type A receptor 2 (EphA2) is a member of the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) family that plays a pivotal role in regulating cell-cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation through its interaction with ephrin-A ligands (UniProt: P29317). While its expression is tightly controlled and relatively low in normal adult tissues, EphA2 is frequently overexpressed in a wide range of solid tumors, including glioblastoma, melanoma, and carcinomas of the breast, lung, and prostate (PubMed: 18483262). This differential expression pattern makes EphA2 a highly attractive tumor-associated antigen for targeted immunotherapy. Specifically, HLA-A2-restricted epitopes derived from the EphA2 protein, such as the EphA2:883-891 peptide, are processed and presented by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I molecules on the surface of malignant cells (PubMed: 12855651). These epitopes are utilized in the development of peptide-based vaccines and T-cell receptor (TCR) engineered T-cell therapies designed to stimulate a robust cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response against the tumor (PubMed: 24608565). By targeting these specific peptide-MHC complexes, therapeutic interventions aim to achieve selective destruction of EphA2-positive cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.

Other names

EPH receptor A2Epithelial cell kinaseTyrosine-protein kinase receptor ECKECKARCC2CTPACTRCT6Soluble EphA2

Induction of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) mediated lysis of tumor cells through the recognition of specific EphA2 peptide fragments presented by HLA-A2 molecules on the cell surface.