Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1-derived peptide epitope (VEGFR1 peptide epitope)

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1)-derived peptide epitopes are short amino acid sequences, such as the HLA-A*24:02-restricted VEGFR1-1084 (SYGVLLWEI), used as therapeutic antigens in cancer immunotherapy (PMID: 15642757). These epitopes are designed to be presented by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I molecules on the cell surface, where they are recognized by the T-cell receptors of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). By vaccinating patients with these peptides, the immune system is primed to identify and destroy cells that overexpress VEGFR1, which includes both the endothelial cells forming tumor-associated blood vessels and certain malignant cells (PMID: 21135219). This dual mechanism targets the tumor's blood supply (anti-angiogenesis) and the tumor cells themselves (UniProt P17948). Clinical studies have investigated these epitopes in various malignancies, including pancreatic, gastric, and colorectal cancers, often demonstrating the induction of specific immune responses and potential survival benefits when used in combination with standard chemotherapy (PMID: 24583013).

Other names

FLT1-derived peptideVEGFR1 epitopeVEGFR1-1084VEGFR1-vaccineVascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 peptideFms-like tyrosine kinase 1 peptide epitope

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