New York esophageal squamous cell carcinoma 1 (NY-ESO-1) peptide-MHC complex (NY-ESO-1/MHC)

NY-ESO-1 (New York esophageal squamous cell carcinoma 1) is a well-characterized cancer-testis antigen (CTA) encoded by the CTAG1B gene [1]. It is highly expressed in a variety of malignant tumors, including synovial sarcoma, melanoma, and multiple myeloma, while its expression in normal tissues is restricted to the testis and placenta [2]. Because germ cells in the testis do not express MHC class I molecules, NY-ESO-1 peptides presented by MHC on the surface of cancer cells serve as highly specific targets for the immune system [3]. The most common therapeutic target is the NY-ESO-1(157–165) peptide presented by the HLA-A*02:01 allele [4]. Modern immunotherapies, including TCR-engineered T-cells (TCR-T) like afamitresgene autoleucel, utilize high-affinity T-cell receptors to recognize this complex and initiate a potent cytotoxic immune response against the tumor [5]. This target is particularly valuable in precision oncology due to its restricted expression profile and the high immunogenicity of the peptide-MHC interaction [6].

Other names

CTAG1BCancer/testis antigen 1BNY-ESO-1/HLA-A2 complexNY-ESO-1 peptide-MHC complexCancer/testis antigen 1CT1.1

T-cell receptor (TCR) engineered T-cell therapy and bispecific T-cell engagers recognize the NY-ESO-1 peptide presented by MHC molecules, leading to T-cell activation and tumor cell lysis.