HLA-A*24:02-restricted Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 1 peptide epitope (HLA-A*24:02-VEGFR1 epitope)

The HLA-A*24:02-restricted Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 1 (VEGFR1) peptide epitope is a specific antigen complex used in cancer immunotherapy to target tumor-associated angiogenesis. VEGFR1, also known as FLT1, is a tyrosine kinase receptor that plays a critical role in the formation of new blood vessels, and its expression is significantly upregulated in the vascular endothelial cells of various solid tumors (Masui et al., 2008, PMID: 18230216). The specific epitope, often the 9-mer peptide VEGFR1-1084 (SYGVLLWEI), is presented by the HLA-A*24:02 molecule, which is highly prevalent in East Asian populations (Wada et al., 2014, PMID: 24433477). Therapeutic interventions, such as the peptide vaccine OTS102, aim to stimulate the production of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) that specifically recognize this peptide-MHC complex. These CTLs then target and destroy VEGFR1-expressing cells, thereby inhibiting tumor growth by disrupting its blood supply and potentially killing VEGFR1-positive tumor cells directly. This approach has been investigated in clinical trials for several malignancies, including colorectal, gastric, and pancreatic cancers (NCT00632749). By targeting the tumor vasculature rather than the tumor cells themselves, this strategy may overcome the challenge of tumor heterogeneity and genetic instability. Patient selection for these therapies typically requires screening for the HLA-A*24:02 allele to ensure the immune system can properly present the vaccine peptide.

Other names

VEGFR1-1084 peptideFLT1-1084 peptideSYGVLLWEI peptideVEGFR1 epitopeHLA-A*24:02/VEGFR1 complex

Induction of peptide-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) that recognize and lyse VEGFR1-expressing cells, including tumor-associated endothelial cells and certain cancer cells.