Up-regulated in lung cancer 10 (URLC10) (URLC10)

Up-regulated in lung cancer 10 (URLC10), also known as Lymphocyte antigen 6 complex locus K (LY6K), is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored protein belonging to the Ly-6/uPAR superfamily [UniProt: Q9BYG4]. It is classified as a cancer-testis antigen (CTA) due to its restricted expression in the testis and its significant overexpression in various cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), and breast cancer [PubMed: 17332315]. Biologically, URLC10 is involved in cell proliferation, migration, and the regulation of the TGF-beta signaling pathway, contributing to tumor progression and metastasis [PubMed: 21858031]. In the field of cancer immunotherapy, specific peptide epitopes derived from URLC10, such as URLC10-71 and URLC10-177, are utilized as vaccine antigens to stimulate a host immune response [PubMed: 17510405]. These vaccines are designed to induce the expansion of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) that recognize URLC10 peptides presented by HLA-A*24:02 or HLA-A*02:01 molecules, leading to the targeted destruction of tumor cells [PubMed: 19448171]. Clinical trials have demonstrated that URLC10-targeted vaccines can induce potent CTL responses and are associated with improved survival in patients with advanced cancers [PubMed: 22473465]. This approach offers a highly specific therapeutic window, although challenges such as HLA downregulation and tumor heterogeneity remain significant hurdles [PubMed: 25195315].

Other names

LY6KLymphocyte antigen 6 complex locus KCancer/testis antigen 97CT97CO16

Induction of antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) that recognize and lyse tumor cells presenting URLC10-derived peptides on HLA molecules.