Tumor-specific mutated antigenic peptide presented by MHC class II molecule

Tumor-specific mutated antigenic peptides presented by MHC class II molecules are peptides generated by genetic mutations in tumor cells, which are processed and loaded onto MHC class II receptors (mainly HLA-DR, HLA-DQ, HLA-DP in humans) and presented on the cell surface of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) such as dendritic cells, or (less often) directly on tumor cells. These neoantigens are recognized by CD4⁺ T cells, leading to their activation, supporting anti-tumor immunity, and aiding the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors and personalized cancer vaccines. The identification and prediction of these peptides form the basis for novel immunotherapeutic approaches. However, their therapeutic efficacy is often constrained by tumor MHC class II expression, peptide processing, immune tolerance, and risk of unintended autoimmunity.

Other names

MHC class II-restricted neoantigenMHC II-presented mutated peptideMHC II neo-peptidetumor neoantigen (with MHC II specificity)

CD4⁺ T cell activation and differentiation upon recognition of MHC class II/peptide complex, leading to anti-tumor immune response T helper function (support for cytotoxic T cell and B cell responses) Induction of tumor cell killing by cytotoxic CD4⁺ T cells