HLA-A*24:02-restricted Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) peptide complex (HLA-A*2402-VEGFR2)

The HLA-A*24:02-restricted Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) peptide complex is a molecular target for cancer immunotherapy, specifically designed for patients with the HLA-A*24:02 genotype, which is prevalent in East Asian populations [PMID: 20143136]. This complex consists of the HLA-A*24:02 MHC class I molecule presenting a specific 9-mer peptide derived from the VEGFR2 protein, most commonly the VEGFR2-169 epitope (SYGVLLWEI) [PMID: 15642759]. VEGFR2 is a critical mediator of angiogenesis and is significantly overexpressed in the tumor neovasculature and certain tumor cells, making it an attractive target for disrupting tumor blood supply [PMID: 22433443]. Therapeutic strategies targeting this complex, such as peptide vaccines, aim to stimulate the production of specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) that recognize and lyse cells presenting this epitope [PMID: 21135219]. Clinical studies have explored these vaccines in various malignancies, including gastric, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers, demonstrating the ability to induce immune responses with a relatively favorable safety profile compared to systemic VEGFR inhibitors [PMID: 24903443].

Other names

HLA-A*24:02/VEGFR2-169 complexVEGFR2-169/HLA-A*24:02 complexSYGVLLWEI/HLA-A*24:02 complexVascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2-169 peptide/HLA-A*24:02 complex

Peptide vaccination or TCR-T cell therapy targeting the complex induces or provides T cells that recognize the VEGFR2-169 epitope presented by HLA-A*24:02, leading to the destruction of VEGFR2-expressing tumor and endothelial cells.