MHC class I-presented Wilms tumor 1, Proteinase 3, and Mucin 1 peptides (WT1/PR3/MUC1 pMHC)

MHC class I-presented WT1/PR3/MUC1 peptides are a cluster of tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) consisting of specific epitopes derived from Wilms tumor 1 (WT1), Proteinase 3 (PR3), and Mucin 1 (MUC1) proteins, which are displayed on the cell surface by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I molecules. These three proteins are frequently overexpressed in hematological malignancies, particularly acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), as well as various epithelial solid tumors (Cheever et al., 2009; Rezvani et al., 2008). The presentation of these peptides allows the immune system, specifically CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes, to identify and destroy malignant cells. Therapeutic strategies targeting this triad, such as multi-peptide vaccines or T-cell receptor (TCR) therapies, are designed to provide a broader immune attack and minimize the risk of antigen escape, where tumor cells lose a single antigen to evade detection (Oka et al., 2017). Because these peptides are presented by specific MHC alleles, most commonly HLA-A*02:01, patient eligibility is often restricted by their human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genotype. Clinical development focuses on using these pMHC complexes to induce long-term immunosurveillance and prevent disease relapse in patients with minimal residual disease.

Other names

WT1/PR3/MUC1 multi-peptide antigenLeukemia-associated antigens WT1, PR3, and MUC1Triple-antigen peptide-MHC complexWT1/PR3/MUC1 cocktail

Induction of antigen-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses against tumor cells presenting these specific peptide-MHC complexes.