Melanoma antigen recognized by T cells 1 (26-35) peptide presented by Human Leukocyte Antigen A*0201 (MART-1(26-35)/HLA-A*0201)

The MART-1 (Melanoma Antigen Recognized by T cells 1) peptide, specifically the decamer spanning residues 26-35 (EAAGIGILTV), is a highly immunodominant epitope presented by the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) A*0201 allele. MART-1 is a lineage-specific differentiation antigen expressed primarily in melanocytes and the majority of melanoma tumors, making it a premier target for cancer immunotherapy. The complex formed by the MART-1 peptide and HLA-A*0201 is recognized by specific T-cell receptors (TCRs) on CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes, which triggers the lysis of the presenting cell. (Source: PubMed PMID: 8162019, UniProt Q16655). In clinical practice, this peptide-MHC complex is targeted using various modalities, including peptide-based vaccines, T-cell receptor-engineered T-cell (TCR-T) therapies, and soluble TCR-based bispecifics. While MART-1 is highly expressed in melanoma, its presence in normal melanocytes located in the skin, retina, and cochlea can lead to on-target, off-tumor toxicities such as vitiligo, uveitis, and hearing loss. Therapeutic strategies often focus on HLA-A*0201-positive patients, as this is one of the most prevalent MHC class I alleles in Caucasian populations, where melanoma incidence is highest. (Source: NIH/NCI, Journal of Immunotherapy).

Other names

Melan-A (26-35) peptide/HLA-A*0201EAAGIGILTV/HLA-A*0201 complexMART-1 decamer/HLA-A2Antigenic peptide MART-1:26-35

T-cell receptor (TCR) binding, redirected T-cell cytotoxicity, and induction of antigen-specific CD8+ T-cell proliferation.