Rho-related GTP-binding protein RhoC (RhoC)

Rho-related GTP-binding protein RhoC (RhoC) is a small signaling G protein belonging to the Ras superfamily that functions as a molecular switch to regulate the actin cytoskeleton (UniProt: P08134). It is a critical driver of cancer metastasis, facilitating cell motility, invasion, and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) (PubMed: 15548694). Unlike many other targets, RhoC is targeted via antigen-specific T-cell immunity because it is highly overexpressed in metastatic tumor cells compared to normal tissues, making it a potent tumor-associated antigen (TAA) (PubMed: 24723193). Therapeutic approaches involve the use of RhoC-derived peptide vaccines, such as IO103, which are designed to elicit spontaneous T-cell responses against RhoC-expressing cells (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03058458). These vaccines stimulate both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells to recognize RhoC peptides presented on the surface of cancer cells, leading to targeted cell lysis and the potential inhibition of metastatic spread (PubMed: 29954350).

Other names

RHOCRHOH9Ras homolog gene family member CSmall GTP binding protein RhoC

Induction of antigen-specific T-cell immunity (CD4+ and CD8+ T cells) that recognizes and eliminates RhoC-overexpressing tumor cells via MHC-restricted peptide presentation (PubMed: 24723193).