Wilms' Tumor 1 (WT1) peptide VLDFAPPGA-HLA-A*02:01 complex (WT1 VLD/A2)

The Wilms' Tumor 1 (WT1) peptide VLDFAPPGA-HLA-A*02:01 complex is a specific peptide-major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) presented on the surface of various malignant cells. WT1 is a zinc-finger transcription factor that is highly overexpressed in a wide range of hematological malignancies, such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and solid tumors, while maintaining low expression in normal adult tissues (Cheever et al., 2009, Clin Cancer Res). The VLDFAPPGA peptide, derived from the N-terminal region of the WT1 protein (residues 37-45), is processed intracellularly and loaded onto HLA-A*02:01 molecules for presentation to the immune system (Bellantuono et al., 2002, Blood). This complex serves as a critical target for cancer immunotherapies, including peptide vaccines, T-cell receptor (TCR) engineered T-cell therapies, and TCR-like antibodies. By targeting this specific pMHC, these therapies aim to induce a potent and selective cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response against tumor cells, minimizing damage to healthy tissues (Maslak et al., 2018, Blood Adv). Clinical development of therapies targeting this complex focuses on patients who are HLA-A*02:01 positive and have tumors with confirmed WT1 expression.

Other names

WT1(37-45)/HLA-A*02:01VLDFAPPGA-HLA-A2 complexWT1-VLD peptide-MHCWilms' Tumor 1 peptide 37-45 presented by HLA-A2

Induction of T-cell mediated cytotoxicity against tumor cells presenting the WT1-derived peptide VLDFAPPGA in the context of HLA-A*02:01.