Major histocompatibility complex class I HLA-A2 (HLA-A2)

Major histocompatibility complex class I HLA-A2 is a transmembrane glycoprotein encoded by the HLA-A gene locus on human chromosome 6. It consists of a polymorphic heavy chain and an invariant β2 microglobulin light chain. HLA-A2 presents intracellularly-derived peptide antigens on the surface of nearly all nucleated cells for recognition by cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes. This presentation is essential for immune defense against viruses and cancerous cells. The first human MHC class I structure resolved was HLA-A2, revealing its peptide-binding groove formed by the α1 and α2 domains, which accommodates and presents peptides to T-cell receptors and interacts with the CD8 co-receptor. HLA-A2 is frequently used as a model system in immunology and plays a central role in transplantation, infection, autoimmunity, and tumor immunity[4][5][7].

Other names

HLA-A*02:01human leukocyte antigen A2HLA-A2 antigenMHC class I A2

Drugs and biologics generally operate by modulating antigen presentation, enhancing immune recognition, or by monitoring HLA-A2-restricted peptide presentation in tumors or infections