New York esophageal squamous cell carcinoma 1-derived peptide 157-165 presented by HLA-A*02:01 (NY-ESO-1 157–165 (HLA-A*02:01))

The NY-ESO-1 peptide presented by HLA-A*02:01 refers specifically to an immunodominant epitope (amino acids 157–165, sequence SLLMWITQC) derived from the NY-ESO-1 protein (also known as Cancer/testis antigen 1B or CTAG1B), which is presented on the cell surface by the MHC class I molecule HLA-A*02:01[1][3][4]. NY-ESO-1 is a prototypical cancer-testis antigen, highly immunogenic and aberrantly expressed in a wide range of malignancies—including melanoma, synovial sarcoma, and multiple myeloma—while normally silenced in healthy adult tissues except for immune-privileged germline cells[1][4]. Recognition of this peptide-MHC complex by specific CD8+ T cells underpins several immunotherapeutic strategies, such as engineered TCR-T cell therapies and peptide vaccines, which have demonstrated significant clinical activity with a favorable safety profile, as non-malignant tissues do not express the antigen[1][3][4][5]. However, clinical limitation includes tumor escape via loss of HLA-A*02:01 or antigen expression. This target is representative of the broader approach of targeting cancer-specific neoantigens via adoptive cellular or vaccine-based therapies.

Other names

NY-ESO-1 157–165/HLA-A*02:01NY-ESO-1 SLLMWITQC/HLA-A*02:01NY-ESO-1 peptide-HLA-A2 complexCancer/testis antigen 1B (CTAG1B) peptide for HLA-A2

Recognition and killing of tumor cells expressing NY-ESO-1 peptide/HLA-A*02:01 complex by specific CD8+ cytotoxic T cells Stimulation of immune responses via vaccination (both cellular and humoral responses) Targeted TCR or CAR engagement leads to T-cell activation, cytokine release, and tumoral cytotoxicity