Survivin-derived HLA-A2 peptide epitope (Survivin-HLA-A2)

Survivin (BIRC5) is a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) protein family that is overexpressed in nearly all human malignancies while being nearly undetectable in most normal adult tissues (PMID: 12778136). The survivin-derived HLA-A2 peptide epitope refers to specific short amino acid sequences from the survivin protein, such as Sur95-104 (ELTLGEFLKL) or Sur96-104 (LTLGEFLKL), that are processed and presented on the cell surface by the Human Leukocyte Antigen A2 (HLA-A*02:01) molecule (PMID: 10833471). This peptide-MHC complex serves as a critical target for cancer immunotherapy, as it allows the immune system to distinguish malignant cells from healthy ones. Therapeutic strategies targeting this epitope include peptide vaccines, T-cell receptor (TCR) engineered T-cells, and bispecific T-cell engagers designed to trigger a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response against survivin-expressing tumors (PMID: 15150571). By binding to these epitopes, drugs and immune cells can induce apoptosis and direct lysis of cancer cells, potentially overcoming the resistance to programmed cell death that characterizes many aggressive cancers. Clinical development of vaccines like SurVaxM has shown promise in treating glioblastoma by specifically targeting this epitope to stimulate a durable anti-tumor immune response (NCT02455557).

Other names

Survivin peptide-HLA-A*02:01 complexBIRC5-derived HLA-A2 epitopeSur95-104/HLA-A2Sur96-104/HLA-A2Survivin-A2 epitope

Induction of antigen-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response and active immunization against survivin-expressing cells.