Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2-derived peptide epitopes presented by HLA-A*2402 (VEGFR2/HLA-A*2402)

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2)-derived peptide epitopes presented by HLA-A*2402 are specific antigenic targets used in cancer immunotherapy, particularly for patients carrying the HLA-A*2402 allele (Wada et al., Cancer Res, 2002). VEGFR2 is a critical regulator of angiogenesis and is significantly overexpressed on the surface of vascular endothelial cells within tumor tissues compared to normal tissues (Miyazawa et al., Cancer Sci, 2010). By utilizing specific peptides derived from the VEGFR2 protein, such as VEGFR2-169 and VEGFR2-775, therapeutic vaccines aim to stimulate the production of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). These CTLs specifically recognize the peptide-MHC complex on the surface of tumor-associated endothelial cells, leading to their destruction and the subsequent suppression of tumor blood supply. This anti-angiogenic immunotherapy approach is designed to treat various solid tumors by targeting the genetically stable vascular environment rather than the highly mutable tumor cells themselves (Tsunoda et al., J Exp Clin Cancer Res, 2010). Clinical trials have explored these vaccines in various cancers, including gastric, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers, often in combination with chemotherapy. The specificity for the HLA-A*2402 allele makes this target particularly relevant for East Asian populations where this allele is prevalent.

Other names

KDR-derived peptide/HLA-A*2402 complexVEGFR2-169 peptideVEGFR2-775 peptideHLA-A*24:02-restricted VEGFR2 epitopes

Induction of peptide-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) that recognize and lyse VEGFR2-expressing endothelial cells in the tumor neovasculature, thereby inhibiting tumor angiogenesis and growth.