Paired-like homeobox 2B (PHOX2B) peptide presented by HLA-A*24:02 (PHOX2B/HLA-A*24:02)

PHOX2B (Paired-like homeobox 2B) is a master regulator transcription factor essential for the development of the autonomic nervous system, particularly the sympathetic lineage (Source: UniProt P50222). In oncology, PHOX2B is a highly specific marker for neuroblastoma, as it is expressed at high levels in tumor cells but has minimal expression in normal postnatal tissues (Source: PubMed 33619368). The PHOX2B peptide presented by HLA-A*24:02 refers to a specific epitope derived from this protein that is displayed on the cell surface by the HLA-A*24:02 molecule. This peptide-MHC (pMHC) complex allows the immune system to target an intracellular protein that is otherwise inaccessible to conventional antibodies (Source: Nature Medicine, 2021). HLA-A*24:02 is a common allele, particularly in East Asian populations, making this target highly relevant for regional patient populations. Therapeutic approaches targeting this complex include TCR-engineered T-cells (TCR-T) and TCR-like antibodies that mimic T-cell receptor specificity to induce tumor cell lysis.

Other names

PHOX2B-HLA-A24 complexPHOX2B pMHCHLA-A*24:02/PHOX2B complex

T-cell mediated cytotoxicity via recognition of the peptide-MHC complex by engineered T-cell receptors or TCR-like antibodies