N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase V (NA17 antigen epitope) (NA17)

The NA17 antigen epitope, specifically NA17-A, is a tumor-associated antigen (TAA) derived from the N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase V (GnT-V or MGAT5) gene (Guilloux et al., 1996, J Exp Med). It is unique because it is encoded by an intronic sequence that is aberrantly translated in melanoma cells, resulting in a peptide (VLPDVFIRC) presented by HLA-A*0201 (UniProt Q09328). This makes it a highly specific target for cancer immunotherapy, as the transcript is generally absent in normal tissues. Therapeutic strategies targeting NA17 include peptide-based vaccines and T-cell receptor (TCR) gene therapy designed to stimulate a cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response against melanoma (Moreau-Aubry et al., 2000, J Exp Med). While it shows promise due to its high tumor specificity, its application is restricted to patients with the HLA-A*0201 genotype. Clinical trials have explored its use in treating metastatic melanoma, focusing on its ability to induce robust immune responses without significant off-target toxicity.

Other names

NA17-AGnT-VMGAT5Alpha-1,6-mannosylglycoprotein 6-beta-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferaseMelanoma antigen NA17-A

The NA17-A epitope is presented by HLA-A*0201 on the surface of tumor cells, where it serves as a target for recognition by CD8+ T-cell receptors (TCRs), leading to the activation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and subsequent lysis of the cancer cell (Guilloux et al., 1996).