Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I and II presenting tumor-specific neoantigens (MHC-neoantigen complex)

Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I and II molecules presenting tumor-specific neoantigens represent a personalized therapeutic target in oncology. These neoantigens arise from somatic mutations unique to an individual's tumor, making them highly specific targets that are absent from normal tissues (Ott et al., 2017, Nature). The NEO-PV-01 vaccine utilizes synthetic long peptides corresponding to these mutations to prime the immune system. Once administered, these peptides are processed by professional antigen-presenting cells and displayed on MHC molecules to activate both CD4+ helper and CD8+ cytotoxic T cells (Ott et al., 2020, Cell). This dual activation is critical for generating a robust and sustained anti-tumor immune response. By targeting these specific MHC-peptide complexes, the therapy aims to direct the patient's own immune system to recognize and eliminate malignant cells while sparing healthy ones (NCT02897765, ClinicalTrials.gov). This approach represents a shift toward precision immunotherapy, where the target is defined by the patient's unique genomic profile.

Other names

Tumor-specific neoantigensHLA-presented neoepitopesPersonalized neoantigensTSNANeoepitopesTumor-specific antigens

Induction of tumor-specific T-cell responses through the presentation of synthetic long peptides on MHC Class I and II molecules (Ott et al., 2020, Cell).