HLA-A*03:01-presented gp100 and MAGE-A1 peptide epitopes (HLA-A*03:01-gp100/MAGE-A1)

The target consists of specific peptide fragments derived from the tumor-associated antigens gp100 (Glycoprotein 100) and MAGE-A1 (Melanoma-associated antigen 1) presented on the cell surface by the Human Leukocyte Antigen allele HLA-A*03:01 [1, 4]. gp100 is a melanocyte differentiation antigen frequently overexpressed in melanoma, while MAGE-A1 is a cancer-testis antigen expressed in various malignancies but restricted to the testes in healthy individuals [12, 13]. These peptide-MHC (pMHC) complexes serve as critical recognition elements for the cellular immune system, specifically for T-cell receptors (TCRs) [12]. In the context of immunotherapy, these complexes are targeted by engineered TCR-T cells, bispecific T-cell engagers (such as ImmTACs), and therapeutic vaccines to induce a potent and specific cytotoxic T-cell response against tumor cells [3, 16, 19]. Targeting HLA-A*03:01-restricted epitopes allows for the expansion of precision medicine to patients who do not carry the more commonly targeted HLA-A*02:01 allele [16]. Clinical development in this area includes TCR-T therapies and multi-peptide vaccines aimed at treating melanoma and other solid tumors [3, 19].

Other names

HLA-A3-restricted gp100 and MAGE-A1 epitopesgp100/MAGE-A1 pMHC complexesHLA-A*03:01-restricted tumor-associated antigensHLA-A*03:01-gp100/MAGE-A1

T-cell redirection, Adoptive cell transfer, Active immunization