HLA-DRB1*07:01–KRAS G12V-derived peptide complex (HLA-DRB1*07:01–KRAS G12V)

The HLA-DRB1*07:01–KRAS G12V-derived peptide complex is a specialized molecular assembly consisting of a human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II molecule and a mutated peptide fragment derived from the KRAS protein [1, 4]. KRAS is a critical GTPase in the MAPK signaling pathway, and the G12V mutation (glycine to valine at position 12) is a frequent oncogenic driver in pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancers [1]. This complex is primarily expressed on the surface of professional antigen-presenting cells or tumor cells that have upregulated MHC class II expression, where it serves as a neoantigen [2]. It is specifically recognized by the T-cell receptors (TCRs) of CD4+ T helper cells, which are essential for orchestrating a robust and sustained anti-tumor immune response [2, 3]. Therapeutic interventions targeting this complex include TCR-engineered T-cell (TCR-T) therapies and personalized neoantigen vaccines designed to selectively eliminate KRAS-mutant tumor cells [3]. Because the G12V mutation is highly tumor-specific and absent in healthy tissues, this complex represents a high-priority target for precision immunotherapy with a potentially favorable safety profile [2].

Other names

KRAS G12V/HLA-DRB1*07:01 complexMHC Class II-KRAS G12V neoantigen complexHLA-DRB1*07:01-restricted KRAS G12V epitopeMajor Histocompatibility Complex, Class II, DR Beta 1*07:01–KRAS G12V complex

The complex acts as a specific ligand for T-cell receptors (TCRs) on CD4+ T helper cells; binding initiates a signaling cascade that triggers T-cell activation, proliferation, and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), which coordinate the anti-tumor immune response [2, 3].