HLA class I antigen A*02:01 (HLA-A*02:01)

HLA class I antigen A*02:01 is a specific allele of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system, which constitutes the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in humans (UniProt P01892). It is a cell surface glycoprotein that plays a fundamental role in the adaptive immune system by binding and presenting short endogenous peptides in its peptide-binding groove to the T-cell receptors (TCRs) of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells (PubMed: 26430889). This presentation is essential for the immune system to distinguish between self and non-self, allowing for the detection and elimination of virally infected or malignant cells. In the context of the SynTac (Synthetic T-cell Activation) platform, HLA-A*02:01 is utilized as a structural scaffold to present specific disease-associated antigens, such as HPV16 E7, to selectively activate or modulate T cell populations (Cue Biopharma). Because many immunotherapies are HLA-restricted, the presence of the HLA-A*02:01 allele is a critical determinant for patient eligibility in treatments targeting specific peptide-HLA complexes, such as TCR-mimic antibodies and bispecific T-cell engagers like Tebentafusp (FDA: Kimmtrak). Safety concerns for drugs interacting with this target include off-target toxicity due to cross-reactivity with similar peptides on other tissues and the risk of cytokine release syndrome.

Other names

HLA-A2HLA-A*0201MHC class I antigen A*02:01Human leukocyte antigen A*02:01

Presents intracellularly derived peptides to CD8+ T-cell receptors (TCRs) to initiate or modulate an immune response.