Mutant BRAF neoantigen peptides (BRAF neoantigens)

Mutant BRAF neoantigen peptides are short amino acid sequences derived from somatic mutations in the BRAF gene, most frequently the V600E substitution (PubMed: 25970691). These peptides are generated through intracellular protein degradation and subsequently presented on the cell surface by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I or II molecules (NIH: PMC4540487). Because these mutant sequences are unique to tumor cells and not expressed in healthy tissues, they serve as highly specific targets for the adaptive immune system, bypassing central tolerance (Nature: 10.1038/nature14426). Therapeutic interventions leveraging these neoantigens include personalized peptide or mRNA vaccines, as well as adoptive cell therapies using T-cell receptors (TCRs) specifically engineered to recognize the BRAF-mutant epitope (PubMed: 33024333). These approaches are particularly relevant in melanoma, colorectal, and thyroid cancers, where BRAF mutations drive oncogenesis and provide a consistent target for immunotherapy (StatPearls: NBK499844). By inducing a targeted T-cell response, these therapies aim to provide long-term surveillance and overcome resistance mechanisms associated with small-molecule BRAF inhibitors.

Other names

BRAF V600E neoepitopesBRAF-mutant peptidesBRAF-derived neoantigensBRAF V600E-derived MHC-binding peptidesBRAF mutation-derived antigens

Stimulation of neoantigen-specific T-cell responses through MHC-restricted presentation, leading to the selective destruction of BRAF-mutant tumor cells.