Patient-specific tumor neoantigens associated with virus-linked cancers (Viral Neoantigens)

Patient-specific tumor neoantigens associated with virus-linked cancers are unique proteins or peptides derived from viral genetic material integrated into or expressed by malignant cells, such as the E6 and E7 oncoproteins of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) (Source: PubMed, PMID: 30633911). Unlike mutation-derived neoantigens, these viral antigens are often shared across patients with the same viral driver, yet their therapeutic application remains patient-specific due to the requirement for matching with the individual's Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) type (Source: Nature Reviews Cancer, DOI: 10.1038/s41568-018-0066-y). These antigens are absent from the healthy human proteome, providing a high degree of tumor specificity and reducing the risk of central tolerance or autoimmunity (Source: Frontiers in Immunology, DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01900). Biologically, they function as targets for Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) presentation, which triggers recognition by CD8+ and CD4+ T-cells to eliminate infected cells (Source: PubMed, PMID: 31534025). Therapeutic interventions targeting these neoantigens include peptide and DNA vaccines (e.g., ISA101, VB10.16), viral vector-based therapies (e.g., TG4001), and adoptive T-cell therapies designed to bypass the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (Source: Journal of Clinical Investigation, DOI: 10.1172/JCI135510). These targets are central to the treatment of various malignancies, including cervical, oropharyngeal, and hepatocellular carcinomas, as well as certain lymphomas and Merkel cell carcinoma.

Other names

Virus-derived neoantigensViral oncoproteinsTumor-specific viral antigensShared viral neoantigensVirus-associated tumor-specific antigens

Induction of a robust, antigen-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response by presenting viral-derived epitopes on Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules to activate the adaptive immune system against tumor cells.