M-phase phosphoprotein 1 (MPHOSPH1) (MPHOSPH1)

M-phase phosphoprotein 1 (MPHOSPH1), also known as KIF20B, is a kinesin-related motor protein that plays a critical role in the final stages of cytokinesis by facilitating the abscission of the bridge between daughter cells (UniProt Q96Q89). It is classified as a cancer-testis antigen (CTA) because its expression is typically restricted to the testis in healthy adults but is significantly upregulated in various malignancies, including bladder, lung, and pancreatic cancers (PubMed: 19443612). This restricted expression pattern makes it an attractive target for cancer immunotherapy, particularly peptide-based vaccines designed to elicit a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response against tumor cells (PubMed: 21860172). Clinical studies have explored MPHOSPH1-derived peptides as therapeutic vaccines, demonstrating the ability to induce specific immune responses and potentially improve survival in patients with advanced cancers. Beyond immunotherapy, its essential role in cell division suggests that inhibiting its motor activity could serve as a strategy to arrest tumor cell proliferation.

Other names

Kinesin family member 20BKIF20BMPP1KRMP1Cancer/testis antigen 90CT90

Induction of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response against MPHOSPH1-expressing tumor cells (PubMed: 21860172)