HLA-A*02:01-MAGEA1 peptide complex

The HLA-A*02:01-MAGEA1 peptide complex is a surface antigen formed when the Human Leukocyte Antigen A*02:01 major histocompatibility complex class I molecule binds and presents a peptide epitope derived from the MAGEA1 protein, which is a cancer-testis antigen. This complex is generally absent in normal somatic tissues but highly expressed in certain cancers and testis. It acts as a presentation platform recognized by cytotoxic T cell receptors, monoclonal antibodies, or chimeric antigen receptors, enabling selective targeting and immune-mediated killing of cancer cells expressing MAGEA1 in the context of HLA-A*02:01. This specificity makes it an attractive target in personalized cancer immunotherapies (adoptive T cell transfer, TCR gene therapy, and antibody-based therapies). Detection of both MAGEA1 and HLA-A*02:01 is critical for patient stratification and therapy selection.

Other names

MAGEA1/HLA-A*02:01 complexMAGEA1 pMHC (peptide-MHC) complexMAGEA1 epitope-HLA-A*02:01MAGEA1 antigen presented by HLA-A*02:01

Targeted cytotoxicity: binding of TCR/antibody/CAR to the pMHC on tumor cells triggers cytotoxic T cell killing. Immune cell activation: recognition can lead to T cell expansion and cytokine release.