Insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3) peptide-HLA-A*24:02 complex (KOC1-HLA-A*24:02)

The KOC1-HLA-A*24:02 complex consists of a specific peptide derived from the Insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3, also known as KOC1) presented by the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) allele A*24:02 (PubMed: 16432177). KOC1 is an oncofetal protein that is normally expressed during fetal development but is highly overexpressed in various adult malignancies, including pancreatic, lung, and esophageal cancers, while remaining absent in most normal adult tissues (PubMed: 21415215). This differential expression makes the KOC1-HLA-A*24:02 complex an attractive target for cancer immunotherapy, particularly in populations where the HLA-A*24:02 allele is prevalent, such as in East Asia (Allele Frequency Net Database). Therapeutic strategies targeting this complex include peptide-based vaccines and T-cell receptor (TCR) engineered T-cell therapies designed to trigger a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response against tumor cells (PubMed: 22473465). By recognizing this specific epitope, the immune system can selectively identify and destroy malignant cells while sparing healthy tissue. Clinical investigations have focused on the safety and immunogenicity of KOC1-derived peptides, demonstrating their ability to induce peptide-specific CTLs in cancer patients (PubMed: 25100374).

Other names

IGF2BP3-HLA-A*24:02IMP3-HLA-A*24:02KOC-HLA-A*24:02KOC1-272-HLA-A*24:02

The complex acts as a specific ligand for T-cell receptors (TCRs) on cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). Therapeutic interventions such as peptide vaccines or TCR-engineered T-cells aim to facilitate the recognition of this complex, leading to the activation of CTLs and the subsequent targeted destruction of tumor cells expressing the KOC1 protein (PubMed: 22473465).