Melanocyte protein PMEL (gp100)

Melanocyte protein PMEL, commonly referred to as **gp100** or **glycoprotein 100**, is a transmembrane glycoprotein expressed primarily in pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) and in melanoma tumors[1][5][6]. Peptide fragments derived from gp100 serve as tumor-associated antigens, especially in melanoma, and are recognized by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) when presented on HLA-A*0201 (and other class I MHC molecules)[2][5][8]. This has led to the development of **gp100 peptide antigens** as immunotherapy targets, including peptide vaccines and engineered T-cell therapies for melanoma treatment[1][2][3][4][8]. Several modified peptide epitopes such as gp100_209-217_ (including anchor-modified forms for stronger HLA binding) and gp100_280-288_ have been used to enhance immunogenicity for cancer vaccines and adoptive cell therapy. Gp100 is also used as a biomarker in melanoma diagnosis and monitoring. As a self-antigen, immune targeting of gp100 carries risk of autoimmune side effects, notably vitiligo, due to expression on healthy melanocytes[1][5][6].

Other names

gp100glycoprotein 100PMELPMEL17premelanosome proteinME20M

Cytotoxic T-cell targeting of tumor cells presenting gp100-derived peptides on HLA-A*0201 (and related class I) molecules, Peptide vaccine presentation for T-cell activation, Induced antigen-specific immune response