Thyroglobulin peptide-HLA complex (TG-pMHC)

Thyroglobulin-derived peptide-MHC complexes are specialized antigens found on the surface of thyroid cells, including thyroid cancer cells. Thyroglobulin is a large glycoprotein synthesized exclusively by thyroid follicular cells, making its derived peptides highly specific markers for thyroid-derived tissues (Source: UniProt P01266). When these peptides are processed and presented by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules, typically HLA-A*02:01, they become targets for the cellular immune system (Source: PubMed 9738871). In the context of thyroid cancer, these complexes serve as ideal targets for T-cell receptor (TCR) engineered T-cell therapies and vaccines, particularly for patients with radioiodine-refractory disease (Source: PubMed 25639151). Because thyroglobulin is not expressed in other tissues, the primary safety concern is the destruction of healthy thyroid tissue, which can be managed with hormone replacement therapy. This specificity makes the TG-pMHC complex a promising candidate for treating metastatic or radioiodine-refractory thyroid cancers. Therapeutic strategies often involve engineering T-cells to express a TCR that recognizes the specific TG peptide in the context of a patient's HLA type (Source: Medigene AG). Clinical monitoring typically involves assessing thyroglobulin levels and HLA compatibility to ensure target presence and patient eligibility.

Other names

Thyroglobulin-derived peptide-MHC complexTG-MHCThyroglobulin epitope-HLA complexTG-HLA-A*02:01Thyroglobulin-derived antigen

T-cell receptor (TCR) mediated recognition of the peptide-MHC complex leading to T-cell activation and cytotoxic lysis of the target cell.