Tyrosinase-related protein 2 and Glycoprotein 100 melanoma-associated antigen epitopes (TRP-2/gp100)

Tyrosinase-related protein 2 (TRP-2) and Glycoprotein 100 (gp100) are well-characterized melanoma-associated antigens (MAAs) that serve as critical targets in cancer immunotherapy. TRP-2, also known as dopachrome tautomerase, is an enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of melanin, while gp100 is a transmembrane glycoprotein essential for the structural integrity and maturation of melanosomes (UniProt P40126, P40967). Both proteins are highly expressed in normal melanocytes and significantly overexpressed in the majority of malignant melanoma cells, making their specific peptide epitopes ideal targets for cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). Therapeutic strategies targeting these epitopes include peptide-based vaccines, DNA vaccines, and T-cell receptor (TCR) engineered therapies, such as Tebentafusp, which redirects T cells to kill gp100-expressing cells (PubMed: 34551228). While these therapies aim to induce robust anti-tumor immunity, they are often associated with autoimmune side effects like vitiligo due to the shared expression of these antigens in healthy skin cells.

Other names

Dopachrome tautomerase (DCT)PMEL17Silver locus protein homolog (SILV)Melanocyte protein PMELTRP2gp100Melanoma-associated antigens

Induction of antigen-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses and T-cell mediated lysis of melanoma cells through the recognition of specific HLA-presented peptide epitopes.