Major histocompatibility complex, class I, A*02:01 presenting MAGE-A1 peptide

The **MAGE-A1 peptide-HLA-A*02:01 complex** is a molecular entity formed when a peptide derived from the **Melanoma-associated antigen 1 (MAGE-A1)** is presented by the **HLA-A*02:01** molecule, a major human histocompatibility complex class I allele[4]. This pMHC I complex is displayed on the surface of cells and is recognized by specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes and engineered T-cell receptors, making it a highly attractive therapeutic target for cancer immunotherapy—particularly for tumors expressing MAGE-A1 and HLA-A*02:01[4]. The complex is a focus of TCR and TCR-mimetic drug development, as its selective presentation on tumor cells enables targeted cell killing while minimizing effects on most normal tissues. The most prominent therapeutic applications involve adoptive T-cell transfer or TCR gene therapies, not classical small-molecule drugs. Note: The MAGE-A1 peptide bound to HLA-A*02:01 is not a single protein, but a defined immunological target (a peptide-MHC complex) rather than a canonical gene or protein. Thus, it does not have classical abbreviations or gene symbols as typical "target" entries do, but it is a well-established immunotherapy target[4].

Other names

MAGE-A1 peptide-HLA-A*02:01 complexMAGE-A1/HLA-A*02:01HLA-A2-MAGE-A1 peptide complex

Recognition by specific T-cell receptors engineered or naturally occurring to bind this pMHC I complex, allowing cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) targeting and killing of cancer cells presenting MAGE-A1-derived peptides on HLA-A*02:01[4].