Eukaryotic translation elongation factor 2 peptide-MHC class I complex (EEF2 pMHC)

The Eukaryotic translation elongation factor 2 (EEF2) peptide-MHC class I complex is a tumor-associated antigen (TAA) target used in cancer immunotherapy. EEF2 is a highly conserved GTPase essential for protein synthesis, specifically facilitating the translocation of peptidyl-tRNA during translation (Oji et al., 2005, Clinical Cancer Research). While EEF2 is expressed in normal tissues, it is significantly overexpressed in various cancers, including lung, esophageal, and gastric malignancies, leading to an increased density of EEF2-derived peptides presented on MHC class I molecules, such as HLA-A*02:01 (Nakamura et al., 2010, Cancer Science). This differential presentation creates a therapeutic window for T-cell receptor (TCR)-based interventions, such as TCR-engineered T-cell (TCR-T) therapies and peptide vaccines, which aim to trigger a cytotoxic immune response against tumor cells (Oji et al., 2005). The primary mechanism of action involves the specific recognition of the EEF2 peptide (e.g., the 9-mer ALFDGDPHL) within the MHC groove by the TCR, resulting in the release of perforins and granzymes to induce apoptosis in the target cell. Clinical development focuses on ensuring high specificity to avoid on-target, off-tumor toxicity, as EEF2 is a vital housekeeping protein in healthy cells.

Other names

EF-2 peptide epitopeEEF2-derived peptide-HLA complexEEF2 739-747 epitopeMHC-presented EF-2HLA-A*02:01-restricted EEF2 epitopeEEF2-HLA-A2 complex

T-cell receptor (TCR) mediated recognition of the peptide-MHC complex leading to cytotoxic T-lymphocyte activation and tumor cell lysis.