HLA class I histocompatibility antigen, A alpha chain (A*11) (HLA-A*11)

HLA class I antigen A*11 alpha chain is a specific polymorphic variant of the human leukocyte antigen A (HLA-A) protein, which serves as the heavy chain of the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I molecule [4, 12]. It is expressed on the surface of nearly all nucleated cells and functions as a receptor that presents short intracellular peptides to CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, a process vital for the immune surveillance of viruses and tumors [7, 15]. HLA-A*11, particularly the A*11:01 allele, is highly prevalent in East Asian populations and is a major focus for precision immunotherapies, including TCR-engineered T-cell (TCR-T) therapies and neoantigen vaccines [1, 6]. These therapies target specific peptide-HLA complexes, such as those derived from KRAS or PIK3CA mutations, to induce targeted cell lysis [1, 5]. However, the use of HLA-A*11 as a therapeutic target faces challenges such as potential cross-reactivity with self-peptides (e.g., RAB7B) and the ability of tumors to evade the immune system by downregulating HLA expression [1, 13]. Additionally, HLA-A*11:01 is associated with certain drug hypersensitivity reactions, such as those involving sulfonamides [14].

Other names

HLA-A11MHC class I antigen A*11HLA-A*11:01Human leukocyte antigen A*11HLA class I antigen A*11 alpha chain

Presentation of intracellularly derived peptides to CD8+ cytotoxic T cells to trigger immune-mediated cell lysis [7, 12].