PHOX2B peptide–HLA class I complex

The PHOX2B peptide–HLA class I complex refers to a tumor-associated peptide (a 9-mer, QYNPIRTTF, derived from the PHOX2B transcription factor) presented in the groove of a human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecule (notably HLA-A*24:02), together with β2-microglobulin. This complex is specifically upregulated in neuroblastoma and is recognized by peptide-centric immune receptors such as specialized chimeric antigen receptors (PC-CARs, e.g., 10LH), which selectively target tumor cells while sparing most normal tissues[1][3][4][2][6]. The molecular interaction depends on both peptide sequence and HLA allotype, and high-affinity recognition requires subtle structural adaptation in peptide presentation. Such complexes can act as selective targets for adoptive cell therapies, including next-generation CAR-T strategies, making them of interest in personalized cancer immunotherapy[1][4][3].

Other names

PHOX2B/HLA-A*24:02 complexPHOX2B-HLA class I peptide complexPHOX2B peptide–MHC class I complexPHOX2B–pMHC complex

Recognition by engineered T cells or CARs (e.g., 10LH) leads to targeted immune cell activation and killing of tumor cells presenting the PHOX2B peptide on HLA class I