HLA-A*02:01 presenting the HA-2 (MYO1G) peptide epitope (HLA-A*02:01/HA-2)

The HLA-A*02:01 presenting the HA-2 (also known as UTA2-1) peptide epitope is a peptide-major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) that serves as a target for immunotherapy in hematological malignancies (PubMed: 10891446). The HA-2 peptide, characterized by the sequence YIGEVLVSV, is a minor histocompatibility antigen derived from the MYO1G (Myosin IG) gene, which is specifically expressed in hematopoietic cells (PubMed: 15153614). This complex is particularly relevant in the context of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, where it can be targeted to induce a Graft-versus-Leukemia (GVL) effect (Blood, 2004). Therapeutic strategies include the use of TCR-engineered T-cells and peptide-based vaccines designed to recognize this specific pMHC on the surface of leukemic cells (Frontiers in Immunology, 2019). Because MYO1G expression is largely restricted to the hematopoietic system, targeting this complex provides a mechanism to selectively eliminate malignant blood cells while sparing non-hematopoietic tissues, although the risk of Graft-versus-Host Disease (GVHD) must be carefully managed (UniProt: O60704).

Other names

HLA-A*02:01/YIGEVLVSVHA-2/HLA-A2 complexUTA2-1 peptide/HLA-A*02:01Myosin IG-derived peptide/HLA-A*02:01mHAg HA-2

Recognition of the pMHC complex by specific T-cell receptors (TCRs) on CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes, leading to the targeted lysis of cells presenting the HA-2 antigen.