Melanoma antigen recognized by T cells 1 peptide presented by HLA-A*02:01 (Melan-A/MART-1:HLA-A*02:01)

Melanoma antigen recognized by T cells 1 (Melan-A/MART-1) is a protein primarily expressed in melanocytes and melanoma cells (UniProt: Q16655). The specific peptide fragment, typically the decamer ELAGIGILTV or nonamer AAGIGILTV, is presented on the cell surface by the HLA-A*02:01 molecule (PubMed: 19244442). This peptide-MHC complex is a classic example of a tumor-associated antigen (TAA) and is a major target for cancer immunotherapy. Therapeutic strategies include the use of T-cell receptor (TCR) engineered T cells and peptide-based vaccines to stimulate a cytotoxic T-cell response against melanoma (PubMed: 16946075). However, because Melan-A is also expressed in healthy melanocytes, treatment can result in on-target, off-tumor autoimmune-like side effects in the skin, eyes, and ears (PubMed: 19244442).

Other names

MART-1 peptide-HLA-A*02:01 complexMelan-A (26-35) peptide-HLA-A*02:01ELAGIGILTV-HLA-A*02:01AAGIGILTV-HLA-A*02:01MLANA peptide-MHC complex

T-cell receptor (TCR) mediated recognition of the peptide-MHC complex leading to cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) activation and tumor cell lysis.