Ras homolog family member C (RhoC) (RhoC)

Ras homolog family member C (RhoC) is a small signaling G protein belonging to the Rho GTPase family, which acts as a molecular switch to regulate the actin cytoskeleton, cell motility, and signal transduction (UniProt P08134). Unlike other Rho family members, RhoC is specifically implicated in the promotion of tumor cell invasion and metastasis, with its overexpression serving as a hallmark of highly aggressive and metastatic cancers such as prostate cancer, melanoma, and breast cancer (PubMed: 15150595). The RV001 (onilcamrevad) peptide is a therapeutic cancer vaccine consisting of a 20-amino acid fragment of the RhoC protein (RhoVac AB). This peptide is designed to be processed and presented by both Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) class I and class II complexes on the surface of antigen-presenting cells and tumor cells. By presenting these specific epitopes, the vaccine stimulates a robust T-cell mediated immune response, activating both CD4+ helper T-cells and CD8+ cytotoxic T-cells to recognize and destroy cancer cells that overexpress RhoC (PubMed: 32453010). This targeted approach aims to eliminate metastatic cells and prevent disease progression, particularly in patients with early-stage recurrence or high risk of metastasis (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04114825).

Other names

RHOCRHOH9Rho-related GTP-binding protein RhoCRV001OnilcamrevadRhoC – presented as RV001 peptide via HLA class II / class I complexes

Active immunotherapy via a peptide vaccine that induces a T-cell mediated immune response against cells overexpressing RhoC and presenting its fragments on HLA class I and II complexes.