KRAS G12V mutant peptide-HLA-A*03:01 complex (none in standardized use; often abbreviated as "KRAS G12V/HLA-A*03:01 complex" or similar forms in structural databases)

The KRAS G12V mutant peptide-HLA-A*03:01 complex consists of a nonapeptide spanning KRAS amino acids 8–16, with a specific G12V mutation, bound to the peptide-binding groove of the HLA-A*03:01 molecule. This mutation results in a tumor-specific neoantigen not present in normal tissue. The complex is recognized by highly specific T cell receptors and TCR mimic antibodies due primarily to unique hydrophobic contacts formed by the mutant Valine (V) at position 12. This recognition enables the immune system to selectively target tumor cells expressing the mutant KRAS peptide, making it a highly promising target for next-generation cancer immunotherapies such as engineered T cell therapies and neoantigen vaccines. Significant research has demonstrated specific molecular interactions responsible for mutant peptide discrimination versus wild-type, and elucidated the challenges of improving therapeutic safety and efficacy.

Other names

KRAS G12V neoantigen/HLA-A*03:01 complexKRASG12V/HLA-A3 complexKRAS G12V pHLA-A*03:01

TCR/TCR mimic antibody–mediated recognition and cytotoxicity: T cells or antibodies specifically bind the KRAS G12V peptide presented on HLA-A*03:01, inducing tumor cell lysis. Neoantigen-specific immune activation: the complex triggers CD8+ T cell responses when present on tumor cells.