Mesothelin peptide–MHC complex

The **mesothelin peptide–MHC complex** refers to the molecular complex formed when a peptide fragment derived from the mesothelin protein (a tumor-associated antigen) is bound within the peptide-binding groove of a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule, typically MHC class I, on the surface of antigen-presenting cells or tumor cells. This complex serves as a molecular target for immune recognition, principally by cytotoxic T cells whose T-cell receptors (TCRs) specifically recognize the peptide–MHC structure. Engineered antibodies, TCR-mimic therapies, and adoptive T-cell strategies may target this complex to selectively kill mesothelin-expressing cancer cells, leveraging its restricted presentation on tumor tissue. The composition, surface expression, and immunogenicity of the mesothelin peptide–MHC complex are determined by mesothelin gene expression, intracellular processing, the patient's HLA type, and antigen presentation machinery integrity. The development of drugs targeting this complex is ongoing, aiming to harness or redirect immune responses for cancer therapy[2][5][8].

Other names

Mesothelin-derived peptide–MHC complexMesothelin antigen–MHC complexpeptide–MHC complex containing mesothelin epitope

T-cell receptor (TCR) mimicry: Targeting and binding of the mesothelin peptide–MHC complex by engineered T-cells or TCR-like antibodies leads to cytotoxic T-cell activation and lysis of tumor cells displaying the complex