HA-1 peptide–HLA-A*02:01 complex (null)

The HA-1 peptide–HLA-A*02:01 complex is formed when the polymorphic minor histocompatibility antigen HA-1 (typically the nonameric peptide VLHDDLLEA) is presented in the peptide-binding groove of the HLA-A*02:01 MHC class I molecule on the cell surface. This complex is specifically recognized by cytotoxic T cells, making it a relevant immunologic and therapeutic target in the context of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, where selective targeting of HA-1–positive malignant cells (graft-versus-leukemia effect) is desirable, but risks include damage to normal HA-1–positive tissues (graft-versus-host disease). Therapeutic strategies have focused on developing vaccines, adoptive T cell transfers, and diagnostics based on this complex. The HLA-A*02:01 molecule is well-studied for its peptide binding motifs, structural features, and its crucial role in mediating antigen-specific immune responses.

Other names

Minor histocompatibility antigen HA-1/HLA-A*02:01 complexHA-1(H) peptide–HLA-A*02:01 complexpHLA-A*02:01-HA-1

T cell receptor recognition of the HA-1–HLA-A*02:01 complex induces cytotoxic T cell–mediated lysis of target cells (e.g., leukemic blasts expressing the HA-1 antigen) Immunotherapeutic targeting aims for selective immune elimination of HA-1-positive cells