Kinesin-like protein KIF20A (KIF20A)

Kinesin-like protein KIF20A, also known as Mitotic kinesin-like protein 2 (MKLP2), is a member of the kinesin-6 family that plays a fundamental role in the final stages of cell division. It is essential for cytokinesis, where it drives the transport of the chromosomal passenger complex to the spindle midbody to facilitate daughter cell separation [1][2]. While its expression is restricted in healthy adult tissues—primarily found in the testis and thymus—it is significantly overexpressed in a variety of malignant tumors, including pancreatic and biliary tract cancers [3][4]. The specific designation 'KIF20A-66' refers to a 9-mer peptide (sequence: KVLRVLSAV) derived from this protein that serves as a highly immunogenic, HLA-A*24:02-restricted epitope [2][5]. In clinical oncology, this peptide is utilized as a therapeutic vaccine designed to stimulate the immune system to produce cytotoxic T lymphocytes that target and destroy KIF20A-positive cancer cells [4][6]. Beyond immunotherapy, KIF20A is also a target for small-molecule inhibitors that aim to arrest the cell cycle by disrupting its ATPase activity and microtubule-binding functions [1][7]. Sources: [1] UniProt (O95235): Kinesin-like protein KIF20A. [2] PubMed (PMID: 21544254): Identification of KIF20A-derived peptide vaccine for pancreatic cancer. [3] PubMed (PMID: 25217671): Phase I/II clinical trial of KIF20A peptide vaccine for biliary tract cancer. [4] ClinicalTrials.gov: Studies involving KIF20A-66 and MKLP2. [5] PubMed (PMID: 24391102): KIF20A as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target. [6] PubMed (PMID: 28383433): Immunotherapy targeting kinesin superfamily proteins. [7] PubChem: Information on MKLP2/KIF20A inhibitors like Paprotrain.

Other names

MKLP2Mitotic kinesin-like protein 2Rab6-interacting kinesin-like proteinRAB6KIFLKinesin-6KIF20A-66 (peptide epitope)

KIF20A-66 is a peptide-based cancer vaccine that induces HLA-A*24:02-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) to recognize and lyse tumor cells overexpressing the KIF20A protein.