T-cell receptor specific for Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) peptide 154–163 presented by Human leukocyte antigen A*02:01 (HLA-A*02:01) (PSA-TCR)

The T-cell receptor (TCR) specific for the PSA:154–163 peptide (VISNDVCAQV) presented by HLA-A*02:01 is a specialized immune receptor used in adoptive cell therapy for prostate cancer (PMID: 10449133). This TCR recognizes a specific fragment of the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), a protein highly expressed in prostate tissue and overexpressed in prostate adenocarcinoma, when it is displayed on the cell surface by the Human Leukocyte Antigen A*02:01 (HLA-A2) molecule (PMID: 11156515). Upon binding to this peptide-MHC complex, the TCR triggers the activation of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, leading to the release of perforins and granzymes that induce apoptosis in the target tumor cells (PMID: 28807986). This target is primarily utilized in the development of TCR-engineered T-cell (TCR-T) therapies, where a patient's T cells are modified to express this specific TCR to enhance their ability to detect and eliminate prostate cancer cells (PMID: 31515463). Clinical development focuses on ensuring high specificity to avoid cross-reactivity with similar peptides in healthy tissues and managing potential side effects like cytokine release syndrome. The PSA:154-163 epitope is one of the most well-characterized HLA-A2 restricted targets in prostate cancer immunotherapy, and monitoring for HLA-A2 expression and PSA levels is essential for patient selection in trials targeting this receptor complex.

Other names

PSA-specific T-cell receptorTCR specific for KLK3 (154-163)HLA-A*02:01-restricted PSA-specific TCRVISNDVCAQV-specific TCRPSA:154-163-HLA-A2 TCR

Recognition of the PSA:154-163 peptide-HLA-A*02:01 complex on tumor cells, triggering T-cell mediated apoptosis.