New York esophageal squamous cell carcinoma 1 peptide presented by Human Leukocyte Antigen (NY-ESO-1 peptide-HLA complex) (NY-ESO-1/HLA)

NY-ESO-1 (New York esophageal squamous cell carcinoma 1) is a prominent cancer-testis antigen (CTA) encoded by the CTAG1B gene, characterized by its high expression in various cancers and restricted expression in normal tissues, primarily the testis [1.2.1, 1.4.1]. The therapeutic target is the specific complex formed when NY-ESO-1-derived peptides, such as the immunodominant SLLMWITQC epitope, are presented on the cell surface by Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) molecules, most notably HLA-A*02:01 [1.2.4, 1.4.1]. This peptide-MHC (pMHC) complex serves as the recognition site for T-cell receptors (TCRs), making it a focal point for advanced immunotherapies including TCR-engineered T-cell (TCR-T) therapies and bispecific T-cell engagers [1.3.1, 1.3.4]. Drugs like afamitresgene autoleucel and letetresgene autoleucel are designed to specifically bind this complex to induce potent cytotoxic activity against tumor cells [1.3.2]. Clinical development has shown significant efficacy in solid tumors such as synovial sarcoma and melanoma, where NY-ESO-1 is frequently overexpressed [1.3.2, 1.3.5]. However, successful treatment requires precise patient screening for both antigen expression and the specific HLA genotype to ensure target availability [1.3.1].

Other names

NY-ESO-1/HLA complexCTAG1B peptide-HLA complexNY-ESO-1/HLA-A*02:01 complexSLLMWITQC-HLA-A*02:01 complexNY-ESO-1 peptide-MHC complex

T-cell receptor (TCR) engineered T-cell therapy, bispecific T-cell engager, and adoptive cell therapy.