L-antigen family member 1 (LAGE-1) (LAGE-1)

L-antigen family member 1 (LAGE-1), encoded by the CTAG2 gene, is a prominent member of the cancer-testis antigen (CTA) family. Under physiological conditions, its expression is restricted to the germ cells of the testis, which lack HLA expression, rendering the protein effectively invisible to the immune system in healthy adults. However, LAGE-1 is frequently overexpressed in a wide variety of malignancies, including melanoma, lung cancer, and ovarian cancer, where it becomes a highly specific target for immunotherapy. It shares approximately 90% amino acid homology with NY-ESO-1, and both antigens often present the same immunodominant peptides on MHC class I molecules. Therapeutic strategies targeting LAGE-1 primarily include T-cell receptor (TCR) engineered T-cell therapies and cancer vaccines designed to elicit a robust cytotoxic T-lymphocyte response against tumor cells. Because of its restricted expression pattern and high immunogenicity, LAGE-1 is considered an ideal candidate for precision cancer immunotherapy.

Other names

CTAG2Cancer/testis antigen 2ESO2L Antigen Family Member 2CT6.2CAMEL

Adoptive T-cell therapy involving engineered T-cell receptors (TCRs) that recognize LAGE-1 peptides presented by HLA-A*02 molecules on the surface of tumor cells, leading to targeted cytotoxicity.