Major histocompatibility complex class I molecule presenting alpha-fetoprotein-derived peptide (MHC class I–AFP peptide complex)

Major histocompatibility complex class I molecule presenting an alpha-fetoprotein-derived peptide is an immune complex in which a class I HLA molecule (commonly HLA-A*02:01) binds and displays a short peptide derived from the intracellular oncofetal antigen alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) on the cell surface. This presentation allows cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes to recognize and kill tumor cells, particularly in hepatocellular carcinoma, where AFP is highly expressed. Due to the intracellular origin of AFP, this complex is an important target in cancer immunotherapy—therapies include T cell receptor mimic antibodies and engineered T cells that specifically recognize the AFP peptide–MHC complex. AFP-derived peptide–MHC I complexes enable both natural and engineered immune responses but pose safety and specificity challenges related to off-target effects and the potential for immune escape.

Other names

MHC class I–AFP complexHLA–AFP peptide complexHLA-A*02:01–AFP peptide (for specific allele context)AFP peptide–MHC complex

Immune-mediated cytotoxicity through T cell recognition of presented AFP-derived peptides. TCR mimic antibody-mediated targeting and killing of cells displaying the AFP peptide–MHC complex.