Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1)-derived peptide presented by HLA class I (VEGFR1 peptide-HLA complex)

The Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1)-derived peptide presented by HLA class I is a specific peptide-major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) that serves as a target for cancer immunotherapy (Wada et al., 2005, Cancer Research). VEGFR1, also known as FLT1, is a tyrosine kinase receptor significantly overexpressed in the vascular endothelial cells of tumor tissues and certain cancer cells, where it plays a critical role in tumor-induced angiogenesis (Miyazawa et al., 2010, Cancer Science). When VEGFR1 proteins are degraded within the cell, specific peptide fragments, such as the VEGFR1-1084 epitope (SYGVLLWEIF), are loaded onto HLA class I molecules—most commonly HLA-A*24:02—and transported to the cell surface. This complex acts as a beacon for the immune system, specifically for cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) that can recognize the epitope via their T-cell receptors. Therapeutic strategies targeting this complex include peptide vaccines and TCR-engineered T-cell therapies designed to induce a robust immune response against the tumor vasculature (OncoTherapy Science, Pipeline). By destroying the endothelial cells that support tumor growth, these therapies aim to starve the tumor of nutrients and oxygen. Clinical studies have explored these vaccines in various malignancies, including pancreatic and colorectal cancers, often demonstrating the induction of specific CTL responses with a manageable safety profile.

Other names

VEGFR1-1084 peptide-HLA complexFLT1-derived peptide-MHC complexVEGFR1 epitope-HLA-A*24:02 complexVEGFR1-1084/HLA-A24

Induction of peptide-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) that recognize and lyse VEGFR1-expressing cells, primarily tumor-associated endothelial cells, thereby inhibiting tumor angiogenesis.