Melanoma-associated antigen 8 peptide–HLA-A*02:01 complex (MAGEA8–HLA-A*02:01)

The MAGEA8 peptide–HLA-A*02:01 complex is a specific peptide-major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) found on the surface of cancer cells. MAGEA8 (Melanoma-associated antigen 8) belongs to the cancer-testis antigen (CTA) family, which are proteins typically expressed only in the germ cells of the testis and in various malignant tumors, but not in normal adult somatic tissues. Because the testis is an immune-privileged site lacking MHC Class I expression, the presentation of MAGEA8-derived peptides by HLA-A*02:01 molecules occurs almost exclusively on tumor cells. This makes the complex an ideal target for precision immunotherapy, such as TCR-engineered T-cell (TCR-T) therapies and bispecific T-cell engagers. By targeting this specific pMHC, the immune system can be directed to selectively recognize and eliminate cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. Research into this target focuses on identifying high-affinity T-cell receptors that can bind the complex with high specificity to avoid cross-reactivity with other MAGE family members or unrelated self-peptides.

Other names

MAGE-A8 peptide–MHC complexMAGEA8/HLA-A*02:01 complexMAGE-A8/HLA-A2 complexpMHC MAGEA8:HLA-A*02:01

T-cell receptor binding leading to T-cell mediated cytotoxicity