Melanoma-associated antigen 1 (MAGE-A1) peptide presented by HLA-A*01:01 (MAGE-A1/HLA-A*01:01)

The MAGE-A1 peptide presented by HLA-A*01:01 is a specific peptide-major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) target used in cancer immunotherapy. MAGE-A1 (Melanoma-associated antigen 1) is a cancer-testis antigen that is normally expressed only in the testes and placenta but is frequently overexpressed in various tumors, such as melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and esophageal cancer (van der Bruggen et al., 1991, Science). Because germ cells do not express MHC Class I molecules, the presentation of the MAGE-A1 peptide (specifically the EADPTGHSY nonamer) by HLA-A*01:01 on the surface of tumor cells provides a highly specific target for T cells (Traversari et al., 1992, J Exp Med). Therapeutic strategies, such as MDG1021, utilize engineered T-cell receptors (TCRs) to recognize this complex and induce a potent cytotoxic immune response against the cancer cells (Medigene AG, 2024). This target is particularly attractive because of its restricted expression pattern, which minimizes the risk of attacking healthy tissues. However, clinical development requires careful monitoring for cross-reactivity with other MAGE family members or unrelated proteins to prevent off-target adverse effects.

Other names

MAGE-A1/HLA-A1MAGE-A1 peptide-MHC complexEADPTGHSY/HLA-A*01:01MAGE-A1 antigen

T-cell receptor-mediated cytotoxicity and T-cell activation upon recognition of the specific peptide-MHC complex on tumor cells.