Tumor antigen–HLA class I molecule complex

Tumor antigen–HLA class I molecule complexes are formed when peptides derived from intracellular tumor proteins (including mutated, overexpressed, or viral proteins in tumor cells) are processed by the proteasome, loaded onto HLA class I molecules in the endoplasmic reticulum, and presented on the cell surface. This enables recognition by CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes, which can target and destroy cells presenting non-self or tumor-specific antigens. The diversity and integrity of these complexes are essential for immune recognition of cancer and the effectiveness of immunotherapies. Tumors can escape immune surveillance through loss or alteration of these complexes or defects in the antigen processing and presentation pathway[1][2][4][5][6].

Other names

Tumor antigen–MHC class I complexNeoantigen–HLA class I complexTumor peptide–HLA class I complexTumor-associated antigen presented by HLA class ITumor epitope–HLA class I complex

Facilitation of T cell–mediated cytotoxicity by presenting tumor antigens for recognition by TCRs on CD8+ T cells[1][5][6] Activation or modulation of the immune system leading to tumor cell lysis