Human telomerase reverse transcriptase-derived peptide epitopes presented on MHC (hTERT-MHC epitopes)

Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT)-derived peptide epitopes presented on the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) are a class of tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) that serve as critical targets for cancer immunotherapy [1, 3]. hTERT is the catalytic subunit of the telomerase enzyme, which is overexpressed in more than 85% of human cancers to maintain telomere length and ensure cellular immortality, while its expression in normal tissues is highly restricted [2, 6]. These peptides are processed intracellularly and presented on the cell surface by MHC Class I (recognized by CD8+ cytotoxic T cells) and Class II (recognized by CD4+ helper T cells) molecules [1, 16]. Therapeutic interventions, such as the peptide vaccines GV1001 and UV1, aim to stimulate a robust and durable T-cell response to recognize and kill hTERT-positive tumor cells [8, 15]. Because hTERT is considered a near-universal tumor antigen, these therapies are being investigated across a wide range of malignancies, including pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, and melanoma [2, 15]. However, challenges include potential toxicity to normal telomerase-positive cells like hematopoietic stem cells and the development of immune resistance through MHC downregulation or T-cell exhaustion [1, 14, 17].

Other names

hTERT-MHC complexeshTERT-HLA complexesTelomerase-derived epitopeshTERT-derived tumor-associated antigenshTERT peptideshTERT-derived peptide epitopes

Induction of antigen-specific T-cell mediated cytotoxicity and helper T-cell responses against hTERT-expressing cells via MHC-restricted recognition.