Major histocompatibility complex class II (HLA class II) (MHC II)

The tumor-associated cell surface antigen recognized by the F3-C25 antibody is the Major Histocompatibility Complex class II (MHC II), specifically the HLA-DR and HLA-DP isoforms [1, 3]. MHC II molecules are heterodimeric cell surface glycoproteins traditionally known for their role in presenting exogenous antigens to CD4+ T helper cells to coordinate adaptive immune responses [11, 12]. While their expression is typically restricted to professional antigen-presenting cells, they are frequently upregulated on the surface of various tumor cells, such as melanoma, glioma, and breast carcinoma, where they can influence tumor progression and immune evasion [12, 16]. The monoclonal antibody F3-C25 is a murine anti-idiotypic antibody that serves as an internal image of the HLA class II antigen by binding to the antigen-combining site of the HLA class II-specific antibody CR11-462 [1, 15]. In therapeutic contexts, F3-C25 has been investigated as a cancer vaccine to elicit an active immune response against HLA class II-positive tumor cells, although it is more commonly utilized in preclinical research as an isotype-matched control for other tumor-targeting antibodies like those against CSPG4 or B7-H3 [1, 6, 26].

Other names

HLA-DRHLA-DPHLA-DQHuman leukocyte antigen class IIMHC class II antigenMHC class II

Induction of anti-tumor immune response, Direct induction of apoptosis, Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, Complement-dependent cytotoxicity