Tumor-specific neoantigen presented by human leukocyte antigen

Tumor-specific neoantigens are unique peptide fragments generated from tumor-exclusive genetic alterations, such as single nucleotide variants (SNVs), insertions/deletions, alternative splicing events, or gene fusions. These peptides are not present in normal tissues. Once produced within tumor cells, these neoantigens are processed and presented on the cell surface by human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules for recognition by T-cells, triggering a targeted immune response against tumor cells.

Neoantigens are targeted by personalized cancer immunotherapies such as vaccines or adoptive cell therapies. Immune checkpoint inhibitors can enhance T-cell recognition of neoantigen-HLA complexes.