New York esophageal squamous cell carcinoma 1-derived peptide–HLA class II complex (NY-ESO-1/HLA-II complex)

The NY-ESO-1-derived peptide–HLA class II complex is a molecular assembly consisting of a specific peptide fragment from the New York esophageal squamous cell carcinoma 1 (NY-ESO-1) protein presented by Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) class II molecules. NY-ESO-1 is a well-characterized cancer-testis antigen that is typically expressed only in germ cells of the testis but becomes aberrantly upregulated in various malignancies, including synovial sarcoma and melanoma. While most T-cell therapies target NY-ESO-1 in the context of HLA class I (for CD8+ T cells), the HLA class II complex is critical for the activation of CD4+ T helper cells, which play a vital role in orchestrating a sustained anti-tumor immune response. Therapeutic strategies targeting this complex include T-cell receptor (TCR) engineered T-cell therapies designed to recognize specific epitopes, such as NY-ESO-1 (157–170) presented by HLA-DP4. By engaging this complex, drugs aim to trigger direct tumor cell lysis and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines within the tumor microenvironment. This target is particularly valuable due to the high immunogenicity of NY-ESO-1 and its restricted expression profile in healthy tissues, minimizing potential side effects.

Other names

NY-ESO-1 peptide-MHC class II complexCTAG1B peptide-HLA class II complexNY-ESO-1/HLA-DPB1*04 complexNY-ESO-1/HLA-DR complexCancer/testis antigen 1B peptide-HLA class II complex

T-cell receptor binding, T-cell mediated cytotoxicity, Cytokine production, CD4+ T-cell activation