T-cell receptor specific for XAGE-1b peptide–MHC complex (XAGE-1b TCR)

T-cell receptors (TCRs) specific for XAGE-1b peptide–MHC complexes are specialized immune receptors utilized in adoptive cell transfer therapies to target specific malignancies. XAGE-1b is a member of the cancer-testis antigen (CTA) family, which is highly expressed in various cancers, particularly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), while remaining silent in most healthy adult tissues (PubMed: 30104348). These TCRs are engineered to recognize XAGE-1b peptides presented by specific Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules, such as HLA-A*02:01 or HLA-DPB1*04:01, on the surface of tumor cells (PubMed: 21148355). When expressed in patient-derived T cells, these receptors enable the immune system to mount a precise attack against the tumor. Clinical candidates like TBI-1301 represent this class of therapy, demonstrating the potential to induce durable responses in patients with advanced NSCLC (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02874898). The therapeutic process involves the ex vivo expansion of TCR-engineered T cells followed by re-infusion into the patient, where they seek out and destroy XAGE-1b-positive cells. This target is particularly attractive due to its high tumor specificity and the critical role XAGE-1b plays in tumor cell proliferation and survival.

Other names

XAGE1B-specific TCRTCR targeting XAGE-1b/HLA complexXAGE-1b-specific T-cell receptorGAGED2-specific TCR

TCR-engineered T cells express a specific receptor that recognizes the XAGE-1b peptide presented by MHC molecules on the surface of tumor cells, triggering T-cell activation and targeted destruction of the malignant cells.