The article entitled “Distinct modulation of cellular immunopeptidome by the allosteric regulatory site of ER aminopeptidase 1” was selected to feature on the cover of the European Journal of Immunology. This article describes the discovery of a unique role for the regulatory site of ERAP1 aminopeptidase, an enzyme of great importance in the function of the human immune system and a target for the development of therapies for cancer and autoimmunity. The researchers analyzed the immunopeptidome of cancer cells and showed that the use of an allosteric inhibitor targeting ERAP1 altered the immunopeptidome in a distinct pattern, very different from genetic knockout of the enzyme. This work demonstrates the utility and versatility of this enzyme for manipulating cellular immunogenicity and the particular importance of the regulatory site for the function of this enzyme as well as for potential therapeutic applications.

Distinct modulation of cellular immunopeptidome by the allosteric regulatory site of ER aminopeptidase 1.

Temponeras I, Samiotaki M, Koumantou D, Nikopaschou M, Kuiper JJW, Panayotou G, Stratikos E*.
Eur J Immunol. 2023 May 3:e2350449. doi: 10.1002/eji.202350449.