Antigen peptide transporter 2 (TAP2) (TAP2)

Antigen peptide transporter 2 (TAP2) is a member of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter superfamily that forms a functional heterodimer with TAP1 to transport cytosolic peptides into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) [1, 2]. This process is essential for the loading of antigenic peptides onto MHC class I molecules, which are then presented on the cell surface for recognition by CD8+ T cells [9, 12]. TAP2 thus plays a central role in the adaptive immune response against viral infections and malignant cells [9, 15]. In many cancers, TAP2 is downregulated or mutated, allowing tumor cells to evade immune detection and develop resistance to immunotherapies like checkpoint inhibitors [5, 18, 20]. Conversely, defects in TAP2 are linked to MHC class I deficiency and certain autoimmune conditions [1, 10]. While direct pharmacological inhibitors are not currently in clinical use, TAP2 activity can be modulated by epigenetic drugs, kinase inhibitors, and anti-inflammatory agents, making it a key target for strategies aimed at restoring tumor immunogenicity [5, 6, 14].

Other names

Transporter associated with antigen processing 2ABCB3ABC18APT2D6S217EPSF-2RING11Transporter 2 ATP-binding cassette sub-family B member

Modulation of gene expression through epigenetic regulation (HDAC and DNA methyltransferase inhibition), inhibition of regulatory kinases such as PLK1, and downregulation of protein levels in inflammatory contexts.