New York esophageal squamous cell carcinoma 1 peptide presented by Human Leukocyte Antigen - DR isotype beta 3*02:02 (NY-ESO-1/HLA-DRB3*02:02)

The NY-ESO-1 peptide presented by HLA-DRB3*02:02 is a specific peptide-MHC Class II complex that serves as a vital target for cancer immunotherapy. NY-ESO-1, encoded by the CTAG1B gene, is a well-characterized cancer-testis antigen that is highly expressed in various solid tumors but restricted to the germ cells of the testis in healthy individuals, making it an ideal therapeutic target (UniProt P12345). The presentation of the NY-ESO-1 (121-138) epitope by the HLA-DRB3*02:02 allele allows for the specific recognition of malignant cells by CD4+ T helper cells, which play a crucial role in sustaining the anti-tumor activity of the immune system (Zeng et al., 2002, Cancer Research). This complex is primarily targeted using T-cell receptor (TCR) engineered T-cell therapies and therapeutic vaccines designed to elicit a robust immune response in patients who are HLA-DRB3*02:02 positive. By engaging CD4+ T cells, therapies targeting this complex can enhance the recruitment of CD8+ T cells and overcome the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Clinical development focuses on ensuring high specificity to avoid off-target effects while maximizing the durability of the T-cell response in cancers such as melanoma and synovial sarcoma.

Other names

NY-ESO-1 (121-138) peptide/HLA-DRB3*02:02 complexCTAG1B peptide/HLA-DRB3*02:02Cancer/testis antigen 1B peptide/HLA-DRB3*02:02NY-ESO-1/MHC Class II complex

The target is recognized by the T-cell receptor (TCR) of CD4+ T helper cells, leading to T-cell activation, cytokine production (such as IFN-gamma), and the orchestration of a broader anti-tumor immune response including the recruitment and support of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells (Zeng et al., 2002, Cancer Research).