Signaling lymphocytic activation molecule family member 7-derived HLA-A*02:01 peptide complex (SLAMF7/HLA-A2 peptide)

The Signaling lymphocytic activation molecule family member 7 (SLAMF7)-derived HLA-A*02:01 peptide complex is a specific antigen target used in the development of precision immunotherapies for hematological malignancies (Bae et al., 2012). SLAMF7, also known as CS1 or CD319, is a surface glycoprotein that is nearly universally overexpressed on plasma cells in multiple myeloma, while its expression on healthy tissue is largely restricted to natural killer (NK) cells and certain lymphocyte subsets (Hsi et al., 2008). This target consists of a specific intracellularly processed peptide fragment of SLAMF7 presented on the cell surface by the Human Leukocyte Antigen A*02:01 (HLA-A2) molecule. Unlike monoclonal antibodies like elotuzumab that bind to the extracellular domain of the SLAMF7 protein, therapies targeting this peptide-MHC complex, such as TCR-engineered T cells (TCR-T) or peptide vaccines, utilize the T-cell receptor's ability to recognize specific processed epitopes (Schubert et al., 2018). This approach allows for highly specific targeting of malignant cells in patients who carry the HLA-A*02:01 allele. However, therapeutic development must account for potential off-tumor effects on healthy SLAMF7-expressing immune cells and the risk of antigen escape through MHC downregulation (Vasilyeva et al., 2016).

Other names

CS1-derived HLA-A2 peptideCD319-derived HLA-A2 peptideSLAMF7 peptide-MHC complexSLAMF7(232-240) peptideCS1-PR1

T-cell receptor (TCR) mediated recognition of the SLAMF7 peptide in the context of HLA-A*02:01, leading to the activation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and subsequent lysis of SLAMF7-expressing cells.