N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase V intron-encoded antigen peptide presented by HLA-A*02:01 (NA17-A/HLA-A2)

The NA17-A antigen peptide presented by HLA-A2 is a specific peptide-major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) that serves as a potent target for cancer immunotherapy, particularly in melanoma (Guilloux et al., 1996, PMID: 8642256). The peptide, typically the nonamer VLPDVFIRC, is derived from an unconventional translation of an intron within the N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase V (GnT-V or MGAT5) gene (Moreau-Aubry et al., 2000, PMID: 10790436). This antigen is classified as a tumor-associated antigen because it is significantly overexpressed in a high percentage of melanoma cell lines and fresh tumor samples while remaining largely absent in normal tissues, with the exception of the testis. Because it is presented by the common HLA-A*02:01 allele, it is a broadly applicable target for a significant portion of the patient population. Therapeutic strategies targeting this complex include the development of T-cell receptor (TCR) engineered T-cells and peptide-based vaccines designed to stimulate a robust cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response against tumor cells. Clinical interest in NA17-A stems from its high specificity and the ability of the immune system to recognize it as non-self due to its intronic origin, which helps bypass central tolerance mechanisms.

Other names

NA17-AGnT-V intron-encoded peptideVLPDVFIRC peptideMelanoma antigen NA17-AN-acetylglucosaminyltransferase V peptide

Targeting of the peptide-MHC complex by engineered T-cell receptors (TCRs) or antibodies to induce T-cell mediated lysis of tumor cells.