Major histocompatibility complex class I–Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2-169 epitope complex (MHC I–VEGFR2-169)

The MHC class I–VEGFR2-169 epitope complex is a molecular assembly comprising a specific 9-amino acid peptide (RFVPDGNRI) derived from the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and a Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I molecule, most commonly HLA-A*02:01. This complex is presented on the surface of cells that express VEGFR2, including tumor-associated endothelial cells and certain malignant cells. It functions as a highly specific target for the immune system, particularly for CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes that recognize the peptide-MHC (pMHC) structure. In the context of oncology, this complex is targeted to disrupt tumor angiogenesis and exert direct anti-tumor effects. Therapeutic strategies include cancer vaccines like VXM01, which aim to prime the immune system against this epitope, and adoptive T-cell therapies using engineered T-cell receptors (TCRs). Because VEGFR2 is significantly upregulated in the tumor microenvironment compared to most healthy tissues, this complex provides a window for selective therapeutic intervention to starve the tumor of its vascular support.

Other names

HLA-A*02:01–VEGFR2-169 complexHLA-A2–VEGFR2-169 complexVEGFR2-169 peptide–MHC complexpMHC VEGFR2-169V2-169 epitope complex

Induction of T-cell mediated cytotoxicity against VEGFR2-expressing cells