Human leukocyte antigen A*24:02 presenting squamous cell carcinoma antigen recognized by T cells 2-derived peptide (HLA-A*24:02/SART2)

The HLA-A*24:02 peptide-binding groove presenting SART2-derived epitopes is a specific molecular complex that serves as a critical target for cancer immunotherapy. HLA-A*24:02 is a common human leukocyte antigen (MHC Class I) allele, particularly prevalent in Asian populations, responsible for presenting intracellular peptides to CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) (Mizukoshi et al., 2011, J. Immunol.). SART2 (Squamous cell carcinoma Antigen Recognized by T cells 2) is a tumor-associated antigen that is highly expressed in various cancers, including esophageal, lung, and colorectal squamous cell carcinomas, but has limited expression in normal tissues (Shichijo et al., 1998, J. Exp. Med.). When specific SART2-derived peptides, such as SART2-93 or SART2-161, are presented within the HLA-A*24:02 binding groove, they form a unique epitope recognized by the T-cell receptor (TCR). This complex is the basis for developing peptide-based vaccines and TCR-engineered T-cell therapies aimed at inducing a robust anti-tumor immune response (Miyagi et al., 2001, Clin. Cancer Res.). By targeting this specific peptide-MHC complex, clinicians can direct the immune system to selectively destroy malignant cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. However, the efficacy of such treatments is strictly limited to patients carrying the HLA-A*24:02 allele and whose tumors express the SART2 antigen (Yamana et al., 2007, Cancer Sci.).

Other names

HLA-A*24:02/SART2 complexSART2 peptide-MHC complexSART2-HLA-A24HLA-A24 presenting SART2 epitopes

Vaccination with SART2-derived peptides or TCR-based therapies target the specific peptide-MHC complex to induce or provide cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) that recognize and lyse tumor cells expressing the SART2 antigen (Shichijo et al., 1998, J. Exp. Med.).