Major histocompatibility complex class I presenting NY-ESO-1 peptide (NY-ESO-1/MHC-I)

The Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I presenting NY-ESO-1 peptide is a specific molecular complex displayed on the surface of cancer cells, serving as a critical recognition site for the immune system. NY-ESO-1, encoded by the CTAG1B gene, belongs to the cancer-testis antigen (CTA) family; it is typically expressed in the testis and placental trophoblasts but is aberrantly upregulated in numerous cancers, including synovial sarcoma, melanoma, and multiple myeloma [1][2]. Intracellular NY-ESO-1 proteins are processed into short peptides, such as the immunodominant 157-165 sequence (SLLMWITQC), which are then loaded onto MHC Class I molecules, most frequently HLA-A*02:01, for presentation to CD8+ T cells [3]. This peptide-MHC (pMHC) complex is the primary target for advanced immunotherapies, including T-cell receptor (TCR) engineered T-cell therapies and bispecific T-cell engagers [4]. By specifically binding to this complex, these therapies can direct a potent cytotoxic immune response against tumor cells while sparing most healthy tissues due to the restricted expression pattern of NY-ESO-1 [5]. Clinical development of drugs targeting this complex requires rigorous patient screening for both the specific HLA allele and the presence of the NY-ESO-1 antigen [6].

Other names

NY-ESO-1/HLA-A*02:01 complexNY-ESO-1 peptide-MHC complexCTAG1B peptide-MHCSLLMWITQC-HLA-A2 complexpMHC NY-ESO-1

T-cell receptor (TCR) mediated recognition of the peptide-MHC complex resulting in T-cell activation and targeted lysis of antigen-presenting cells.