Melanoma-associated antigen A1 peptide–HLA class I complex (MAGE-A1–HLA-A*01:01 or MAGE-A1–HLA-A*02:01)

The MAGE-A1 peptide–HLA class I complex is a tumor-specific antigenic surface structure formed when peptides derived from the intracellular melanoma-associated antigen A1 (MAGE-A1) are presented on the cell surface by HLA-A*01:01 or HLA-A*02:01 molecules. This complex is recognized by cytotoxic T cells, particularly those equipped with engineered T cell receptors (TCRs), and is currently being exploited as a target for personalized cancer immunotherapies. MAGE-A1 is part of the cancer-testis antigen family, which is normally only expressed in immune-privileged sites like the testis, but re-expressed in various cancers. The specific peptide-MHC combination provides selectivity for cancer cells, enabling targeted cell lysis by therapeutic T cells.

Other names

MAGE-A1 presented by HLA-A*01:01MAGE-A1 presented by HLA-A*02:01MAGE-A1/HLA-A1 complexMAGE-A1/HLA-A2 complexMelanoma-associated antigen A1–HLA class I complexCancer-testis antigen MAGE-A1–HLA complex

T cell receptor (TCR) recognition leading to targeted killing of tumor cells expressing MAGE-A1 peptide presented by HLA-A*01:01 or HLA-A*02:01. Adoptive cell transfer: Infusion of T cells genetically engineered with high-affinity TCRs specific for the target peptide-MHC complex, resulting in anti-tumor cytotoxicity.