Tyrosinase-related protein 2 (TRP-2) melanoma-associated CD8 epitope (TRP-2)

Tyrosinase-related protein 2 (TRP-2), also known as dopachrome tautomerase (DCT), is a membrane-bound enzyme located in the melanosomes of melanocytes, where it catalyzes the conversion of dopachrome to 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid in the melanin synthesis pathway (Source: UniProt P40126). In the context of oncology, TRP-2 is classified as a melanocyte differentiation antigen and is frequently overexpressed in malignant melanoma, making it a key target for immunotherapy (Source: PubMed 9091556). The TRP-2 melanoma-associated CD8 epitope specifically refers to immunogenic peptide sequences, most notably the HLA-A*0201-restricted peptide TRP-2:180-188 (SVYDFFVWL), which are presented on the surface of tumor cells to cytotoxic T lymphocytes (Source: PubMed 9091556). Therapeutic strategies targeting this epitope include peptide-based vaccines, DNA vaccines like SCIB1, and adoptive cell transfers using T-cell receptors (TCRs) engineered to recognize the TRP-2/MHC complex (Source: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01132235). While effective at inducing anti-tumor immunity, targeting TRP-2 carries a risk of off-tumor toxicity, typically manifesting as vitiligo due to the destruction of healthy melanocytes in the skin (Source: PubMed 15150570).

Other names

Dopachrome tautomeraseDCTTYRP2L-dopachrome Delta-isomeraseTRP2Melanoma-associated antigen TRP-2

Induction of antigen-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response against tumor cells expressing Tyrosinase-related protein 2 (TRP-2) through MHC Class I presentation (Source: PubMed 9091556).