Human Wilms tumor 1 peptide–major histocompatibility complex (WT1 peptide–MHC complex (sometimes WT1–pMHC complex))

The WT1 peptide–MHC complex is a molecular structure formed when a peptide epitope derived from the Wilms tumor 1 transcription factor protein is presented by MHC class I or II molecules on the surface of cells. This presentation is a critical step in the activation of the body’s adaptive immune response, enabling cytotoxic and helper T lymphocytes to recognize and kill cells expressing this cancer-associated antigen. Several variants of the WT1 peptide, especially the 126–134 and RMF (RMFNAPYL) sequences, bind with high affinity to HLA-A*02:01 and are targeted in immunotherapeutic strategies, including peptide vaccines, adoptive T cell therapies, and bispecific antibodies. The complex serves as both a biomarker and immunotherapeutic target in multiple tumor types, and its use in therapy requires consideration of specificity and safety due to WT1’s limited but nonzero expression in certain normal tissues[1][3][4][5][6][9].

Other names

WT1–pMHCWT1₁₂₆₋₁₃₄–HLA-A2 complexRMF peptide–MHC complex (for peptide RMFNAPYL)WT1 epitope–MHC complex

T cell activation via recognition of WT1 peptide–MHC by T cell receptor Antibody-mediated lysis of tumor cells that display the WT1 peptide–MHC complex Induction of CTL (cytotoxic T lymphocyte) and helper T cell responses to kill tumor cells