HLA-A*02:01-presented NA17-A epitope (NA17-A/HLA-A*02:01)

The HLA-A*02:01-presented NA17-A epitope is a tumor-associated antigen (TAA) that is a significant target in melanoma immunotherapy. Although the user's query identifies it as MAGEA-derived, the NA17-A peptide (sequence: VLPDVFIRC) is actually derived from an intronic sequence of the N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase V (GnT-V or MGAT5) gene (Guilloux et al., 1996). It is considered a MAGE-type or cancer-testis antigen because its expression is typically restricted to tumor cells and the testis, making it highly specific for cancer (Boon & van der Bruggen, 1996). The epitope is presented by the HLA-A*02:01 MHC Class I molecule, allowing for recognition by CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). Therapeutic approaches targeting this epitope include peptide-based vaccines and the development of T-cell receptor (TCR) engineered T-cell therapies (Marchand et al., 1999). Because the peptide originates from an unconventional translation of an intron, it provides a unique target with minimal risk of on-target, off-tumor toxicity in normal tissues (Guilloux et al., 1996). Clinical interest in NA17-A stems from its relatively high prevalence in melanoma patients and its ability to elicit potent anti-tumor immune responses. However, therapeutic efficacy can be limited by immune evasion mechanisms such as HLA downregulation or antigen loss.

Other names

NA17-A antigenNA17.A2GnT-V intronic peptideVLPDVFIRC peptideN-acetylglucosaminyltransferase V epitope

Induction of CD8+ T-cell mediated lysis of tumor cells expressing the pMHC complex.