Wilms' Tumor 1 (WT1) 37–45 peptide presented by HLA-A*02:01 (WT1 37–45/HLA-A*02:01)

The WT1 37–45 peptide presented by HLA-A*02:01 is a peptide-major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) that serves as a highly specific target for cancer immunotherapy. The peptide, with the amino acid sequence VLDFAPPGA (often referred to as the VLD peptide), is derived from the Wilms' Tumor 1 (WT1) protein, a transcription factor that is overexpressed in a wide range of hematological malignancies and solid tumors but has restricted expression in normal tissues (Egan et al., 2022, Blood). This specific epitope is notable for being processed and presented independently of the immunoproteasome, making it a critical target for tumor cells that have developed resistance to other WT1-targeted therapies (such as those targeting the RMFPNAPYL epitope) by downregulating immunoproteasome subunits like PSMB9 (Lahman et al., 2022, BioWorld). Therapeutic interventions targeting this complex include TCR-engineered T cells (TCR-T), bispecific T-cell engagers, and peptide-based vaccines designed to stimulate a robust CD8+ cytotoxic T-cell response against WT1-positive malignant cells (Egan et al., 2022, Blood; JPT Peptide Technologies). Clinical development focuses on its use in treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and various solid tumors where WT1 serves as an oncogenic driver.

Other names

WT1 37-45VLDFAPPGA peptideWT1 VLD peptideWT1 37-45/HLA-A2 complexWilms tumor protein 37-45pWT1 37-45

Induction of T-cell mediated cytotoxicity through the specific recognition of the VLDFAPPGA peptide presented by HLA-A*02:01 on the surface of tumor cells, leading to targeted cell lysis.