Major histocompatibility complex class I peptide complex with glioblastoma-associated antigen (MHC I-peptide complex (GBM antigen))

The major histocompatibility complex class I peptide complex with a glioblastoma-associated antigen is an antigen-presenting assembly composed of an MHC class I heavy chain, β2-microglobulin, and a peptide derived from a protein specifically associated with glioblastoma tumors. This complex is loaded through the antigen processing pathway, involving proteasomal degradation, peptide trimming, and chaperone-mediated loading in the endoplasmic reticulum. Its presentation on the tumor cell surface enables recognition by CD8^+ T cells, forming the core of adaptive anti-tumor immunity. Alterations in any step—from antigen production, peptide processing, or MHC assembly—can lead to immune escape, making restoration or enhancement of surface display a major approach in immunotherapy. Targeting these complexes via vaccines or engineered cell therapies seeks to bolster T cell recognition and clearance of glioblastoma cells, although tumor heterogeneity, antigen loss, and immune suppression constitute major safety and efficacy challenges[1][4][5][6][7].

Other names

MHC class I peptide complex (tumor antigen)Tumor antigen-MHC I complexHLA-peptide complex (glioblastoma)Neoantigen-MHC complex (GBM)

T cell receptor (TCR) recognition and activation leading to targeted cytolysis of antigen-presenting cells. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (enhance T-cell effector function after recognition of peptide-MHC complexes). CAR/TCR-engineered cellular therapies (direct targeting of the peptide-MHC complex with synthetic receptors)