HLA-A*24:02-restricted KOC1 peptide epitope (HLA-A*24:02/KOC1)

The HLA-A*24:02-restricted KOC1 peptide epitope is a molecular complex consisting of a specific peptide fragment derived from the KOC1 protein (also known as IMP3 or IGF2BP3) presented by the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) allele A*24:02 [1, 3]. KOC1 is an oncofetal RNA-binding protein that is highly expressed during embryogenesis and in a wide range of malignant tumors, such as esophageal, pancreatic, and lung cancers, while remaining virtually undetectable in normal adult tissues [4, 7, 15]. This high tumor specificity makes the epitope a prime target for cancer immunotherapy, particularly in Asian populations where the HLA-A*24:02 allele is highly prevalent [11, 21]. Therapeutic interventions, such as the S-588410 vaccine, are designed to stimulate the production of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs) that specifically recognize this peptide-MHC complex on the surface of cancer cells [5, 13]. Upon recognition, these CTLs trigger apoptosis in the target tumor cells, providing a targeted approach to treating advanced or metastatic malignancies [16, 19]. Clinical development has largely focused on peptide vaccines, either as monotherapy or as part of multi-peptide cocktails, to overcome tumor heterogeneity and improve patient survival [9, 11].

Other names

IMP3 peptide epitopeKOC1-derived peptideHLA-A24-restricted IMP3 epitopeKOC1-508 peptideS-488403Insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 3 peptide epitope

Induction of peptide-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs) that recognize and eliminate tumor cells expressing the KOC1 protein in the context of HLA-A*24:02.