Epidermal growth factor receptor pathway substrate 8 peptide–HLA-A*02:01 complex (Eps8-HLA-A2 complex)

The Eps8-derived peptide–HLA-A2.1 complex is a specific peptide-major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) found on the surface of various tumor cells. Epidermal growth factor receptor pathway substrate 8 (Eps8) is a signaling protein involved in actin remodeling and cell proliferation that is frequently overexpressed in solid tumors, including pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancers. In these malignant cells, Eps8 is processed by the proteasome into short peptides, such as the immunodominant Eps8 727–735 (LLVPFNPAL) fragment, which is then loaded onto HLA-A*02:01 molecules and presented on the cell surface. This complex serves as a highly specific target for cancer immunotherapies, particularly T-cell receptor-engineered T-cell (TCR-T) therapies and peptide-based vaccines. By targeting this complex, the immune system can selectively identify and destroy tumor cells while sparing normal cells that do not overexpress Eps8 or present the specific peptide. Research indicates that targeting this complex can induce potent cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses, making it a promising candidate for precision oncology in HLA-A2-positive patients.

Other names

Eps8-derived peptide–HLA-A2.1 complexEps8-pMHC complexEps8-HLA-A*02:01Eps8(727–735)-HLA-A2 complex

T-cell mediated cytotoxicity via T-cell receptor (TCR) recognition of the peptide-MHC complex on the tumor cell surface.