T-cell receptor recognizing Kinesin family member 20A-derived peptide–MHC complexes (TCR-KIF20A-pMHC)

The T-cell receptor (TCR) recognizing KIF20A-derived peptide–MHC complexes is a specialized immune receptor that targets Kinesin family member 20A (KIF20A), also known as Mitotic kinesin-like protein 2 (MKLP2). KIF20A is a motor protein essential for cytokinesis and is frequently overexpressed in various cancers, including pancreatic, lung, and gastric cancers, while showing minimal expression in normal adult tissues (PMID: 21814015, 23463157). The TCR specifically recognizes KIF20A-derived peptides, such as the HLA-A*24:02-restricted KIF20A-66 (KVYLRVRPLL), when presented on the cell surface by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules (PMID: 24501009). This recognition event triggers T-cell activation, leading to the directed lysis of KIF20A-positive tumor cells through the secretion of perforin, granzymes, and pro-inflammatory cytokines like interferon-gamma (PMID: 25193374). Therapeutic applications focusing on this target include TCR-engineered T-cell (TCR-T) therapies and peptide vaccines designed to stimulate a robust anti-tumor cellular immune response (PMID: 28233234).

Other names

KIF20A-specific T-cell receptorKIF20A-TCRMKLP2-specific T-cell receptorT-cell receptor recognizing KIF20A-66 peptide

Engineered or endogenous T-cells express TCRs that bind specifically to KIF20A peptide-MHC complexes on the surface of tumor cells, initiating a cytotoxic immune response and targeted cell death.