Major histocompatibility complex class I molecules presenting N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase V-derived peptides (MHC-I/GnTV)

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules presenting N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase V (GnTV)-derived peptides are specialized cell-surface complexes that serve as targets for cancer immunotherapy. GnTV, encoded by the MGAT5 gene, is an enzyme responsible for the branching of N-glycans and is frequently overexpressed in various cancers, such as melanoma, where it contributes to tumor invasion and metastasis (Guilloux et al., 1996, J. Exp. Med.). In malignant cells, a specific peptide derived from an alternative transcription start site or specific protein regions of GnTV is processed and loaded onto MHC class I molecules, typically HLA-A*02:01, for presentation to the immune system. This peptide-MHC complex is recognized by the T-cell receptors (TCRs) of cytotoxic T lymphocytes, making it a viable target for TCR-engineered T-cell therapies and TCR-like monoclonal antibodies. Because GnTV expression is significantly higher in tumor tissues compared to most normal tissues, targeting this complex allows for the selective destruction of cancer cells while potentially sparing healthy cells.

Other names

HLA-A*02:01 presenting GnTV peptideMGAT5-derived peptide-MHC complexGnTV-derived peptide-HLA-A2 complexN-acetylglucosaminyltransferase V antigen

T-cell mediated cytotoxicity, Targeted cell lysis via T-cell receptor recognition of the peptide-MHC complex