Insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 3 and Lymphocyte antigen 6 complex locus K (IGF2BP3/LY6K)

The KOC1 / LY6K / IMP-3 epitope target refers to a combination of cancer-testis antigens (CTAs) used in therapeutic cancer vaccines, primarily targeting Insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3, also known as KOC1 or IMP-3) and Lymphocyte antigen 6 complex locus K (LY6K) (NIH, nih.gov). These proteins are characterized by high expression in various malignancies—including esophageal, lung, and gastric cancers—while remaining largely absent in normal adult tissues except for the testis, making them ideal targets for immunotherapy (Frontiers in Oncology, frontiersin.org). IGF2BP3 is an RNA-binding protein that promotes tumor cell proliferation and migration by regulating the stability of oncogenic mRNAs, whereas LY6K is a GPI-anchored membrane protein involved in cell signaling and adhesion (GeneCards, genecards.org). Therapeutic strategies, such as the S-588410 multi-peptide vaccine, utilize specific HLA-A*2402-restricted epitopes from these antigens to induce a robust cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response (NCI Drug Dictionary, cancer.gov). Clinical trials have demonstrated that patients who develop strong antigen-specific CTL responses following vaccination often show improved survival outcomes, although efficacy as a monotherapy remains a challenge in advanced disease (MDPI, mdpi.com).

Other names

KOC1IMP3LY6KURLC10Cancer-testis antigen 97CT97KH domain-containing protein overexpressed in cancer 1Up-regulated in lung cancer 10

Induction of antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response against tumor cells expressing these antigens