Tumor-Specific Mutant Protein-Derived Epitope Presented on Human Leukocyte Antigen (Neoepitope-HLA complex)

A tumor-specific mutant protein-derived epitope presented on human leukocyte antigen (HLA) refers to a short peptide fragment generated from a protein that has undergone a cancer-specific mutation. This mutated peptide, also known as a neoepitope, is processed within the tumor cell and displayed on its surface by HLA molecules. These neoepitopes are recognized as "non-self" by the immune system, enabling targeted immune responses against cancer cells. The identification and targeting of neoepitopes are key for personalized cancer immunotherapies, offering high tumor specificity and minimal off-target effects.

Other names

Tumor-specific antigen (TSA)NeoantigenMutant neoepitopeHLA-presented neoantigenTumor Mutation-Associated Neoantigen (TMAN)Personalized tumor antigen

Targeting T cells to recognize and eliminate tumor cells presenting specific mutant protein-derived epitopes bound to HLA molecules. This can be achieved via vaccination to prime endogenous T cells or adoptive transfer of engineered T cells.