Human leukocyte antigen A*02:01 (HLA-A*02:01) (HLA-A*02:01)

Human leukocyte antigen A*02:01 (HLA-A*02:01) is a specific allele of the HLA-A gene encoding an MHC class I molecule on chromosome 6p21.3. It forms a heterodimer with β2-microglobulin, featuring a peptide-binding groove between antiparallel α1 and α2 helices supported by an eight-stranded β-sheet, plus an α3 domain for CD8 binding. It presents endogenous peptides (typically 8-10 mers with anchors like Val at P2 and Leu/Val at C-terminus) to CD8+ T cells for adaptive immunity. Polymorphisms in pockets A-F determine peptide specificity, e.g., preferring L/M/I at P2 and V/L/I/A at PΩ. Common in populations, it influences viral clearance (e.g., HCV, HIV), cancer immunotherapy, and transplant matching, with crystal structures confirming typical MHC class I fold (e.g., RMSD 0.415 Å to other complexes).

Other names

HLA-A*02HLA-A2A*02

Peptide binding in antigen-binding groove for T cell receptor recognition, Safety switch in CAR-T therapy via allelic specificity