MHC class I-Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1-1084 epitope complex (MHC-VEGFR1-1084)

The MHC class I-VEGFR1-1084 epitope complex is a specialized molecular target in cancer immunotherapy, consisting of a specific 10-mer peptide fragment (SYGVLLWEIF) derived from the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 1 (VEGFR1) presented by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I molecules, primarily HLA-A*24:02 (Wada et al., 2005, Cancer Research). VEGFR1 is a critical receptor tyrosine kinase involved in angiogenesis and is significantly overexpressed on the endothelial cells of tumor neovasculature compared to quiescent normal vessels (Mizukami et al., 2014, Cancer Science). By targeting this specific peptide-MHC complex, therapeutic interventions such as peptide vaccines or TCR-engineered T cells aim to stimulate cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) to selectively attack and destroy the blood vessels that supply the tumor with oxygen and nutrients. This anti-angiogenic approach is designed to bypass the genetic instability and antigen loss often associated with direct tumor cell targeting, as the endothelial cells in the tumor microenvironment are more genetically stable (Tsunoda et al., 2010, Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research). Clinical trials have evaluated this target in various solid malignancies, including pancreatic, gastric, and colorectal cancers, demonstrating its potential to induce immune responses and provide clinical benefit (Miyazawa et al., 2010, Cancer Science).

Other names

HLA-A*24:02-VEGFR1-1084 complexVEGFR1-1084 peptide-MHC complexVEGFR1-1084/HLA-A24 complexSYGVLLWEIF-HLA-A*24:02 complexVascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1-1084 epitope

Induction of peptide-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) that recognize the VEGFR1-1084 epitope presented by MHC class I (specifically HLA-A*24:02) on the surface of tumor-associated endothelial cells, leading to the destruction of tumor neovasculature (Wada et al., 2005, Cancer Research).