Cancer-testis antigen peptide-HLA-A*02:01 complex (CTA-HLA-A*02:01)

The Cancer-testis antigen (CTA) peptide presented by HLA-A*02:01 is a molecular complex consisting of a tumor-specific peptide fragment bound to the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) Class I molecule HLA-A*02:01. CTAs, such as NY-ESO-1, MAGE-A4, and PRAME, are proteins whose expression is typically restricted to the immune-privileged germline tissues of the testis but are aberrantly re-expressed in various malignancies (Source: PMID: 22307120). Because the testis lacks HLA expression, these peptides are only presented on the surface of cancer cells, making them highly specific targets for immunotherapy. HLA-A*02:01 is the most prevalent MHC Class I allele in many populations, serving as a critical anchor for presenting these antigenic peptides to the immune system (Source: PMID: 31040928). Therapeutic approaches targeting this complex include T-cell receptor (TCR) engineered T-cells and TCR-based bispecific molecules, which are designed to recognize the specific peptide-HLA configuration with high affinity. These therapies aim to trigger a potent cytotoxic T-lymphocyte response to eliminate tumor cells while sparing normal somatic tissues. However, clinical development faces challenges such as potential off-target cross-reactivity with similar peptides in vital organs and the risk of tumor escape through the downregulation of HLA or the target antigen (Source: PMID: 30104475, PMID: 34256028).

Other names

CTA-MHC class I complexCancer-germline antigen peptide-HLA-A2 complexTumor-specific antigen peptide-HLA-A*02:01

T-cell redirection and activation via engineered T-cell receptors (TCRs) specific for the peptide-MHC complex.