Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2-derived peptide epitope (VEGFR2 peptide epitope) (VEGFR2 peptide epitope)

A Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2)-derived peptide epitope is a specific amino acid sequence originating from the VEGFR2 protein, utilized as an antigenic target in cancer immunotherapy (PubMed: 12499339). VEGFR2 is a critical regulator of angiogenesis and is highly overexpressed on the endothelial cells of the tumor vasculature compared to normal vessels (PubMed: 15585617). By using these peptide epitopes in a vaccine format, the therapy aims to induce a robust cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response that specifically targets and lyses these VEGFR2-expressing cells. This mechanism effectively starves the tumor of its blood supply, inhibiting growth and metastatic potential. Clinical trials have predominantly utilized epitopes like VEGFR2-169 and VEGFR2-1084, often in patients with specific HLA types such as HLA-A*24:02 to ensure effective antigen presentation (PubMed: 21135219). Unlike systemic anti-angiogenic drugs, peptide-based approaches offer the potential for high specificity and long-term immunological memory. However, challenges include the need for precise patient selection based on genetic markers and the potential for immune-mediated damage to healthy tissues involved in physiological angiogenesis.

Other names

KDR-derived peptideVEGFR2 epitopeVEGFR2-169VEGFR2-1084Flk-1 peptide epitope

Induction of specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) that recognize and lyse VEGFR2-expressing cells, particularly tumor-associated endothelial cells, thereby inhibiting tumor angiogenesis (PubMed: 15585617, 21135219).