Human leukocyte antigen A*01 (HLA-A*01)

Human leukocyte antigen A*01 (HLA-A*01) is a class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule that plays a fundamental role in the adaptive immune system by presenting endogenous peptides to CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (2.2.1, 2.2.3). This presentation is essential for the immune system to distinguish between self and non-self, allowing for the recognition and elimination of virally infected or malignant cells (2.3.2, 2.5.1). In clinical oncology, HLA-A*01 is a critical target for HLA-restricted therapies, including T-cell receptor (TCR)-engineered T cells and cancer vaccines targeting antigens such as MAGE-A1, MAGE-A3, and KK-LC-1 (3.1.1, 3.1.4, 3.3.3). The specificity of these therapies depends on the patient's HLA-A*01 genotype, making it a vital biomarker for patient selection in precision immunotherapy (3.2.3, 3.2.4). However, therapeutic development faces significant challenges, such as off-target cross-reactivity with self-peptides, which has historically led to severe toxicities in clinical trials (3.3.1, 3.3.5). Additionally, tumors can evade these treatments through mechanisms like HLA downregulation or loss of heterozygosity (3.5.4). Beyond cancer, HLA-A*01 has been associated with susceptibility to infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, and plays a role in autoimmune disease risk and transplant compatibility (2.4.1, 2.4.5, 2.5.3).

Other names

HLA-A1MHC class I antigen HLA-A*01HLA-A*01:01HLA-A*01:02Major histocompatibility complex, class I, A*01HLA class I histocompatibility antigen, A alpha chain

Presentation of intracellularly derived peptides (antigens) to CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) to trigger a specific immune response and cell-mediated killing.