Melanoma antigen recognized by T cells 1 peptide–Human leukocyte antigen class I complex (MART-1/Melan-A–HLA complex)

The MART-1/Melan-A peptide–HLA class I complex is a critical immunological target consisting of an immunodominant peptide derived from the Melanoma Antigen Recognized by T cells 1 (MART-1) protein presented on the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)-A*02:01 molecule. MART-1 is a lineage-specific differentiation antigen expressed primarily in melanocytes and is highly overexpressed in the majority of malignant melanomas, making it one of the most extensively studied tumor-associated antigens. The complex is recognized by the T-cell receptors (TCRs) of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes, which triggers an immune response against the presenting cell. In the context of oncology, this complex is targeted by various immunotherapeutic strategies, including TCR-engineered T-cell therapies (TCR-T), peptide-based vaccines, and TCR-like antibodies designed to selectively eliminate melanoma cells. However, because MART-1 is also expressed in healthy melanocytes, therapeutic targeting can lead to on-target off-tumor toxicities affecting the skin, uvea, and inner ear.

Other names

Melan-A peptide–MHC complexMART-1(26-35)–HLA-A*02:01 complexMART-1(27-35)–HLA-A*02:01 complexMLANA–HLA complexMART-1–HLA-A2 complex

T-cell receptor (TCR) binding, T-cell mediated cytotoxicity, Adoptive cell transfer, Active immunotherapy (vaccination)