Guanylyl cyclase C peptide–MHC class I complex (GUCY2C peptide–MHC I complex)

The GUCY2C peptide–MHC class I complex is a molecular structure formed when a peptide derived from the intracellular region of guanylyl cyclase C (GUCY2C), a transmembrane receptor usually found in gastrointestinal epithelium, is processed and presented on the cell surface by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. This complex represents a specific antigenic determinant recognized by cytotoxic T cells in the context of cancer immunotherapy and forms the molecular basis for certain investigational treatments, such as bispecific antibodies or vaccine-based approaches targeting tumor-associated antigens. The GUCY2C peptide 254–262–MHC class I complex is a commonly studied example, but these complexes are generally less stable on the cell surface than those formed with more immunodominant antigens, a factor that may impact therapeutic efficacy. The complex is relevant as an immunotherapy target because GUCY2C is selectively retained and upregulated on gastrointestinal tumors, including colorectal cancer, while its expression in normal tissue is more restricted, allowing for selective therapeutic targeting.

Other names

GUCY2C–peptide–MHC I complexGuanylyl cyclase C epitope–MHC class I complexGUCY2C pMHC I complex

Immune-mediated cytotoxicity: T-cell recognition of GUCY2C peptide presented by MHC class I leads to selective destruction of GUCY2C-expressing tumor cells