Immunopeptidomics in Cancer

Immunopeptidomics is an emerging and rapidly evolving field that focuses on the identification of peptides presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules on the surface of cells, utilizing mass spectrometry. This area of research holds significant promise in the realm of cancer, offering crucial insights into the immune system's ability to recognize and target tumor cells. By analyzing the repertoire of peptides presented by MHC molecules on the cell surface, researchers can identify tumor-specific antigens, which are instrumental in the development of innovative targeted immunotherapies. Technological advancements in mass spectrometry and bioinformatics continue to enhance the precision and breadth of peptide analysis, facilitating breakthroughs in cancer immunotherapy.

This Research Topic aims to advance the understanding of immunopeptidomics in the context of cancer. We aspire to publish high-quality research that explores the mechanisms underlying antigen presentation, the discovery of novel tumor antigens including non-canonical peptides, and their influence on the development of innovative therapeutic strategies to bolster anti-tumor immunity. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of antigen presentation dynamics in cancer, we aim to foster the design of more effective vaccines and adoptive cell therapies, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

To gather further insights into the burgeoning field of immunopeptidomics in cancer, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Identification and characterization of tumor-associated peptides.
- The role of immunopeptidomics in cancer immunotherapy.
- Mechanisms and dynamics of antigen presentation in cancer.
- Technological advancements in mass spectrometry and bioinformatics for peptide analysis.
- Interplay between the immune system and cancer, paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries.


Please note that manuscripts consisting solely of bioinformatics or computational analysis of public genomic or transcriptomic databases that are not accompanied by validation (independent cohort or biological validation in vitro or in vivo) are out of the scope of this Research Topic.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Immunopeptidomics, Cancer peptides, tumor-associated peptides, cancer immunotherapy, cancer peptide analysis

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.