NY-ESO-1 peptide–MHC class I complex (NY-ESO-1 pMHC (commonly used in literature but not universally formalized))

The **NY-ESO-1 peptide–MHC class I complex** is a molecular complex formed by a short peptide derived from the cancer/testis antigen NY-ESO-1 (notably the SLLMWITQC sequence, residues 157–165) presented in the peptide-binding groove of the human major histocompatibility complex class I molecule HLA-A*02:01[3][1]. NY-ESO-1 itself is a highly immunogenic tumor-associated antigen normally restricted in expression to germ cells and placenta, but aberrantly expressed in a wide range of cancers, including melanoma, ovarian, and lung cancers[3][4]. The NY-ESO-1(157–165)–HLA-A2 complex is recognized by cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes via T-cell receptor engagement, triggering targeted immune destruction of tumor cells presenting this antigenic complex[6][5][3]. Detection and therapeutic targeting of this complex forms the basis for multiple cancer immunotherapies, including peptide vaccines, engineered TCR-T and CAR-T cell therapies, and bispecific antibodies that engage T cells via the NY-ESO-1 pMHC[1][4][5]. The specificity and immunogenicity of the NY-ESO-1 peptide–MHC complex on tumor cells make it a leading target in cancer immunotherapy research, although safety and tumor heterogeneity present ongoing challenges[4][1].

Other names

NY-ESO-1/HLA-A*02:01 complexNY-ESO-1(157-165)-HLA-A2NY-ESO-1 pMHC complexNY-ESO-1–MHC complex

Induction of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL)–mediated tumor cell killing via TCR recognition; Stimulation of antigen-specific immune response against tumor cells expressing NY-ESO-1 peptide in context of MHC class I