Melanoma-associated antigen A9 peptide presented on HLA-A2 (MAGE-A9/HLA-A2)

Melanoma-associated antigen A9 (MAGE-A9) presented on HLA-A2 is a highly specific cancer-testis antigen (CTA) complex used as a target for T-cell based immunotherapies. MAGE-A9 is a member of the MAGE-A subfamily, which is characterized by its restricted expression in normal adult tissues (primarily the immune-privileged testis and placenta) and high expression in various malignancies, including bladder, lung, and breast cancers (PMID: 21733456, 25533163). The presentation of specific MAGE-A9-derived peptides, such as those binding to the HLA-A*02:01 allele, allows the immune system to distinguish malignant cells from healthy somatic tissue. Therapeutic strategies targeting this complex typically involve the development of T-cell receptor (TCR) engineered T-cells or bispecific antibodies designed to recognize the peptide-MHC interface with high affinity (PMID: 30104343). Because MAGE-A9 expression often correlates with poor prognosis and advanced tumor stage, it serves as both a therapeutic target and a potential biomarker for aggressive disease (PMID: 22081068).

Other names

MAGEA9-HLA-A*02:01 complexCancer/testis antigen 1.9 peptide-MHCMAGE-A9 pMHCAntigen MZ2-E peptide presented on HLA-A2

T-cell receptor (TCR) mediated cytotoxicity, T-cell redirection, Immune checkpoint modulation