Tyrosinase-derived peptide epitopes presented on MHC class I (Tyrosinase pMHC)

Tyrosinase is a copper-containing enzyme essential for melanin biosynthesis, primarily expressed in melanocytes and frequently overexpressed in melanoma. Peptides derived from the tyrosinase protein, such as the immunodominant YMDGTMSQV (369-377) and MLLAVLYCL (1-9) epitopes, are processed and presented on the cell surface by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) Class I molecules, most notably HLA-A*02:01. These peptide-MHC (pMHC) complexes serve as specific targets for the immune system, allowing T-cell receptors (TCRs) to recognize and eliminate malignant cells. In the context of cancer immunotherapy, tyrosinase-derived epitopes are utilized in the development of therapeutic vaccines, TCR-engineered T-cell therapies (TCR-T), and TCR-like antibodies. However, because tyrosinase is also present in healthy melanocytes in the skin, eyes, and ears, targeting these epitopes can lead to autoimmune-like side effects such as vitiligo or ocular inflammation.

Other names

Tyrosinase-derived peptidesTyrosinase-HLA complexesTyrosinase antigenMelanoma-associated antigen tyrosinaseTyrosinase 369-377 peptideTyrosinase 1-9 peptideTyrosinase-derived HLA-A*02:01 restricted epitopes

T-cell receptor (TCR) binding and activation of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs) to induce lysis of cells presenting the tyrosinase-derived peptide on MHC class I molecules.