Up-regulated in lung cancer 10-derived peptide-HLA class I complex (URLC10-HLA complex)

Up-regulated in lung cancer 10 (URLC10), also known as LY6K, is a cancer-testis antigen that is significantly overexpressed in a variety of human malignancies, including non-small cell lung cancer and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (Ishikawa et al., 2007, Cancer Res). The therapeutic target is a specific immunogenic peptide derived from the URLC10 protein that is processed and presented on the cell surface by Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) class I molecules, most commonly HLA-A*24:02 (Suda et al., 2007, Cancer Sci). This peptide-MHC complex serves as a specific marker for tumor cells, enabling recognition by the T-cell receptors (TCRs) of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). Drugs targeting this complex, such as peptide vaccines or TCR-engineered T-cell therapies, are designed to stimulate or provide an immune response that selectively kills URLC10-positive cancer cells (Kono et al., 2009, Cancer Sci). Because URLC10 expression is largely restricted to the testis in healthy individuals—an immune-privileged site—targeting this complex offers a high degree of tumor specificity with a low risk of systemic toxicity. Clinical studies have demonstrated that inducing CTLs against this target can lead to tumor regression and improved patient outcomes in specific cancer types (Obara et al., 2012, J Urol).

Other names

LY6K-derived peptide-HLA complexURLC10 peptide-MHC complexLymphocyte antigen 6 complex locus K-derived peptide-HLA complexURLC10-A24 complex

Induction of antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity through T-cell receptor (TCR) recognition of the peptide-HLA complex, leading to targeted lysis of tumor cells.