Folate receptor alpha (FOLR1) peptide 191-199-specific HLA-A*02:01-restricted CD8+ T cell (FBP-specific CD8+ T cell)

HLA-A2-restricted CD8+ T cells recognizing the Folate Binding Protein (FBP) peptide epitope 191-199 (sequence: EIWTHSYKV) are a specialized subset of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) that play a critical role in the immune surveillance of certain cancers (Kim et al., 1999, J. Immunol.). Folate Binding Protein, also known as Folate Receptor alpha (FOLR1), is a cell-surface protein that is significantly overexpressed in over 90% of ovarian carcinomas, as well as in many breast, lung, and endometrial cancers, while its expression in normal tissues is restricted (UniProt P15328). The 191-199 peptide is a highly immunogenic epitope that binds with high affinity to the HLA-A*02:01 molecule, making it a prime candidate for targeted immunotherapy in HLA-A2-positive patients (Peoples et al., 2005, Clin. Cancer Res.). Therapeutic interventions, such as the E39 peptide vaccine, aim to stimulate the expansion and activation of these specific CD8+ T cells to recognize and eliminate FBP-expressing malignant cells through the release of cytotoxic granules (Greene et al., 2016, Cancer). Clinical trials have investigated these T cells primarily in the adjuvant setting to prevent disease recurrence by establishing long-term immunological memory against tumor-associated antigens (Sears et al., 2011, Clin. Cancer Res.).

Other names

FBP(191-199)-specific CTLsEIWTHSYKV-specific CD8+ T cellsHLA-A2-restricted FBP-specific T cellsFolate binding protein peptide 191-199-specific T cells

Activation and expansion of peptide-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes that recognize and kill HLA-A2+ tumor cells expressing Folate Receptor alpha.