Major Histocompatibility Complex peptide-binding groove presenting epitopes from EphA2, IL13Rα2, Survivin, and Tetanus Toxoid (MHC-peptide complex (EphA2/IL13Rα2/Survivin/TT))

The Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) peptide-binding groove presenting epitopes from EphA2, IL13Rα2, Survivin, and Tetanus Toxoid (TT) is a composite molecular target used in cancer immunotherapy, specifically for treating high-grade gliomas [Reardon et al., 2020]. This target represents the structural interaction between MHC Class I molecules (predominantly HLA-A*0201) and specific synthetic peptides derived from three tumor-associated antigens: Ephrin type-A receptor 2 (EphA2), Interleukin-13 receptor subunit alpha-2 (IL13Rα2), and Survivin (BIRC5) [Peereboom et al., 2015]. These antigens are highly overexpressed in glioblastoma cells and contribute to tumor growth, survival, and resistance to therapy [Pollack et al., 2014]. The inclusion of a Tetanus Toxoid helper peptide is designed to stimulate CD4+ T-cell responses, which provide essential cytokines to support the activation and persistence of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes [Stemline Therapeutics, 2018]. Therapeutic agents like the SL-701 vaccine work by introducing these peptides into the body to be loaded onto MHC molecules of antigen-presenting cells, thereby training the immune system to recognize and eliminate malignant cells displaying these specific MHC-peptide complexes [Reardon et al., 2020]. This multi-targeted approach aims to address the significant cellular heterogeneity found in brain tumors and reduce the likelihood of immune evasion [Pollack et al., 2014].

Other names

HLA-A2-peptide complexMHC-epitope complexSL-701 target antigensGlioma-associated antigen peptide complexTumor-associated antigen-MHC complex

Active immunotherapy via peptide vaccination to induce antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses against tumor cells presenting these epitopes.