Marginal zone B and B1 cell-specific protein (MZB1) peptide-HLA-A*02 complex (MZB1/HLA-A*02)

The MZB1-derived peptide presented by HLA-A*02 is a specific peptide-major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) target primarily utilized in the development of T-cell receptor (TCR)-based immunotherapies. Marginal zone B and B1 cell-specific protein (MZB1) is an endoplasmic reticulum-resident chaperone that plays a critical role in the assembly and secretion of immunoglobulin M (IgM) and is highly expressed in plasma cells and their malignant counterparts. In diseases like Multiple Myeloma, MZB1 is significantly overexpressed, making its HLA-presented peptides attractive targets for redirected T-cell therapies. The HLA-A*02 allele is one of the most common MHC Class I molecules in the human population, providing a broad platform for therapeutic application. Drugs targeting this complex, such as TCR-engineered T cells, work by specifically recognizing the peptide-HLA structure on the surface of cancer cells, triggering a cytotoxic immune response. However, because MZB1 is also expressed in healthy plasma cells, therapeutic strategies must carefully manage the risk of B-cell aplasia and other on-target off-tumor effects.

Other names

MZB1-HLA-A2 complexMZB1 peptide-MHC complexpMHC (MZB1/HLA-A*02)MEDA-7 peptide-HLA complexpMHC complex of MZB1-derived peptide and HLA-A*02

T-cell receptor (TCR) mediated recognition leading to T-cell activation and directed cytotoxicity against cells presenting the MZB1 peptide on HLA-A*02.