Survivin-derived peptide–HLA complex (Survivin-HLA complex)

The Survivin-derived peptide–HLA complex is a tumor-associated antigen complex formed by the presentation of intracellularly processed survivin (BIRC5) fragments on the cell surface via Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) molecules. Survivin is a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) family that is highly expressed in the majority of human cancers—including lung, breast, and colon cancers—while being nearly undetectable in most normal adult tissues. This differential expression makes the survivin-HLA complex an ideal target for cancer immunotherapies, such as peptide vaccines, T-cell receptor (TCR) engineered T-cells, and TCR-like antibodies. By targeting this complex, therapies aim to trigger a specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte response that selectively destroys malignant cells while sparing healthy tissue. Clinical development has focused heavily on HLA-A*02:01 restricted peptides, though broader HLA coverage is an area of active research to expand the eligible patient population.

Other names

BIRC5 peptide-HLA complexSurvivin-MHC complexSurvivin-derived epitope-HLA complexHLA-A*02:01-restricted survivin peptide complex

The complex acts as a target for T-cell receptors (TCRs) or TCR-like antibodies, leading to T-cell mediated lysis of tumor cells. Vaccines targeting this complex induce the expansion of survivin-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) that recognize the peptide presented by HLA molecules on the tumor surface.