NY-ESO-1 peptide–HLA-A*0201 complex (NY-ESO-1/HLA-A*0201 complex)

The NY-ESO-1 peptide–HLA-A*0201 complex is a tumor-associated antigenic target composed of the cancer/testis antigen NY-ESO-1 presented as a peptide (commonly residues 157–165, e.g., SLLMWITQC) bound in the groove of the class I MHC molecule HLA-A*0201. This peptide–MHC (pMHC) complex is recognized by specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CD8+ T cells) and is a validated target in cancer immunotherapy, notably for adoptive TCR-transduced T cell therapies, bispecific T cell engagers, and TCR-mimic antibodies. The complex is not a canonical receptor or enzyme but rather a composite molecular target that mediates tumor cell recognition and destruction by engineered immune effectors or through vaccination approaches. Its unique immunogenicity and restricted expression profile in tumors versus normal tissues make it a leading model antigen for cancer immunotherapies[3][4][5][1][2].

Other names

NY-ESO-1–HLA-A2 complexHLA-A*02:01/NY-ESO-1 complexNY-ESO-1/HLA-A2 complexNY-ESO-1:HLA-A*0201 peptide–MHC complex

Recognition of NY-ESO-1 peptide presented by HLA-A*0201 on tumor cells triggers binding by engineered TCRs or TCR-mimic antibodies, resulting in targeted cytotoxicity or immune activation[1][4][5]. Some bispecific T cell engagers are designed to redirect T cells specifically to NY-ESO-1/HLA-A*0201-expressing cells[2].