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Published on: September 13, 2022
Identification of a naturally processed T cell epitope derived from the glioma-associated protein SOX11
Marc Schmitz1, Rebekka Wehner, Stefan Stevanovic
1Medical Faculty, Institute of Immunology, Technical University of Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany. mschmitz@rcs.urz.tu-dresden.de
Abstract:
The development of T cell-based immunotherapies of cancer depends on the identification of tumor-associated antigens capable of eliciting tumor-directed cytotoxic T cell responses. In malignant glioma the number of well-defined target antigens for cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) is still very limited. Recently, we demonstrated the abundant and specific overexpression of the transcription factor SOX11 in malignant glioma. Here, we describe the SOX11-derived peptide LLRRYNVAKV which is capable of inducing human leukocyte antigen-A*0201-restricted and tumor-reactive CTLs. This novel CTL epitope may serve as an attractive candidate for a T cell-based immunotherapy of glioma.
Insights
Researchers identified a novel peptide from the SOX11 protein that can trigger tumor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). This finding offers a promising new target for T cell-based immunotherapy against malignant glioma.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- T cell-based immunotherapies require identified tumor-associated antigens for effective cancer treatment.
- Malignant glioma currently has a limited number of well-defined targets for cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs).
- SOX11, a transcription factor, is known to be overexpressed in malignant glioma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize novel tumor-associated antigens for glioma immunotherapy.
- To evaluate the potential of SOX11-derived peptides as targets for T cell-mediated anti-glioma responses.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of SOX11 expression in malignant glioma.
- Identification of SOX11-derived peptides.
- Assessment of peptide-induced human leukocyte antigen-A*0201-restricted and tumor-reactive CTL responses.
Main Results:
- The SOX11 transcription factor is abundantly and specifically overexpressed in malignant glioma.
- A specific SOX11-derived peptide (LLRRYNVAKV) was identified.
- This peptide successfully induced human leukocyte antigen-A*0201-restricted and tumor-reactive CTLs.
Conclusions:
- The SOX11-derived peptide LLRRYNVAKV represents a novel CTL epitope.
- This epitope is a potential candidate for developing T cell-based immunotherapies for glioma.
- Targeting SOX11 offers a new strategy for treating malignant glioma.
