Integrin subunit beta 2-derived neoantigen peptide–MHC complex (ITGB2-neoAg-MHC)

The Integrin subunit beta 2 (ITGB2)-derived neoantigen peptide–MHC complex is a tumor-specific antigen consisting of a mutated peptide fragment from the ITGB2 protein (also known as CD18) presented by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules on the surface of malignant cells (UniProt P05107). ITGB2 is a critical component of leukocyte adhesion receptors, and while it is normally expressed on healthy white blood cells, somatic mutations within the ITGB2 gene in certain cancers can create novel, immunogenic peptides known as neoantigens (NCI Dictionary). These neoantigens are processed and displayed by MHC Class I or II molecules, where they can be recognized by the T-cell receptors (TCRs) of the host's immune system (Schumacher et al., Science 2015). Because these specific peptide-MHC complexes are unique to the tumor and absent from normal tissues, they represent ideal targets for highly selective immunotherapies, including TCR-engineered T-cell (TCR-T) therapy, personalized neoantigen vaccines, and TCR-like antibodies (Blankenstein et al., Nature Reviews Cancer 2012). Targeting this complex aims to elicit a potent anti-tumor response while minimizing damage to normal cells that express only the wild-type ITGB2 protein, although challenges such as HLA restriction and potential immune escape through MHC downregulation remain significant considerations in clinical development (Tran et al., Science 2014).

Other names

ITGB2-derived neoantigen peptide–MHC complex on tumor cellsCD18-derived neoantigen-HLA complexMutated ITGB2 peptide-MHC complexIntegrin beta-2 neoantigenITGB2-pMHC complex

Induction of T-cell mediated cytotoxicity through the specific recognition of mutated ITGB2 peptides presented by MHC molecules on the tumor cell surface.