Tyrosinase-related protein 2 and Melanocyte protein PMEL (TRP-2/gp100)

The target consists of two key melanoma-associated antigens (MAAs): Tyrosinase-related protein 2 (TRP-2) and Melanocyte protein PMEL (gp100) (Scancell Holdings plc, 2024). TRP-2, also known as dopachrome tautomerase, is an enzyme essential for the synthesis of eumelanin within melanosomes, while gp100 is a transmembrane glycoprotein involved in the structural organization of these organelles (UniProt P40126; UniProt P17643). Both proteins are highly expressed in melanocytes and significantly overexpressed in malignant melanoma, making them effective targets for immunotherapy. The iSCIB1+ DNA vaccine is designed to deliver genetic sequences encoding specific epitopes of these antigens using Scancell's ImmunoBody platform, which incorporates the DNA into an antibody framework to enhance uptake and presentation by dendritic cells (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04079166). This process triggers a potent dual T-cell response, activating both cytotoxic CD8+ T cells and helper CD4+ T cells to recognize and destroy melanoma cells. By including additional epitopes compared to its predecessor SCIB1, iSCIB1+ aims to provide therapeutic benefit to a broader range of patients regardless of their HLA type (Scancell Holdings plc, 2024).

Other names

Dopachrome tautomeraseDCTMelanocyte protein PMELgp100PMEL17SILVSilver locus protein homologMelanoma-associated antigen

DNA vaccine-mediated induction of high-avidity CD8+ and CD4+ T-cell responses against specific tumor-associated antigens.