Tumor-specific neoantigen peptide-MHC complex

The tumor-specific neoantigen peptide-MHC complex is a molecular structure formed when peptides—derived from tumor-specific mutations (neoantigens)—are presented on the surface of tumor cells by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. These complexes are recognized by T cell receptors (TCRs), enabling the immune system to distinguish and target cancer cells. Neoantigens arise from somatic genetic alterations unique to cancer cells, such as SNVs, indels, gene fusions, frameshift mutations, and alternative splicing events. Their high specificity makes them attractive targets for immunotherapies such as personalized cancer vaccines or adoptive T cell therapies targeting these unique epitopes.

Other names

Tumor neoantigen peptide-MHC complexNeoantigen-MHC complexTSA-MHC complex

TCR binding and T cell activation leading to tumor cell lysis