T-cell receptor on LY6K-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells (LY6K-specific TCR)

The T-cell receptor (TCR) on LY6K-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells is a specialized immune receptor designed to recognize peptides derived from the Lymphocyte antigen 6 complex, locus K (LY6K). LY6K is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored protein and a well-characterized cancer-testis antigen that is significantly overexpressed in various malignancies, including lung, esophageal, and breast cancers, while remaining largely absent in normal adult tissues except for the testes (PubMed: 19509222). When these specific TCRs bind to LY6K peptides presented by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I or II molecules, they initiate a robust immune response. This response includes the activation of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells to directly kill tumor cells and CD4+ helper T cells to coordinate and sustain the anti-tumor environment (PubMed: 21856905). Therapeutic strategies targeting this receptor include TCR-engineered T-cell (TCR-T) therapies and peptide-based vaccines aimed at expanding the endogenous population of LY6K-specific T cells (PubMed: 28415515). Clinical development focuses on leveraging the high tumor-specificity of LY6K to minimize off-target effects while maximizing therapeutic efficacy in solid tumors.

Other names

LY6K-specific T-cell receptorTCR targeting LY6KLY6K-reactive TCRLymphocyte antigen 6 complex locus K-specific T-cell receptor

Recognition of LY6K-derived peptides presented by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules, triggering T-cell activation and targeted destruction of LY6K-expressing tumor cells.