NY-ESO-1 peptide (157-165) presented by HLA-A*02:01 (NY-ESO-1:157-165/HLA-A*02:01)

The NY-ESO-1-derived peptide SLLMWITQC presented by HLA-A*02:01 is a specific peptide-major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) that serves as a critical target for cancer immunotherapy. NY-ESO-1, encoded by the CTAG1B gene, is a cancer-testis antigen that is typically expressed only in the germ cells of the testis and placenta but becomes aberrantly upregulated in various cancers, such as synovial sarcoma and melanoma (PMID: 30103341). The specific 9-amino acid sequence SLLMWITQC (residues 157-165) is processed and presented on the cell surface by the HLA-A*02:01 allele, making it visible to the immune system (PMID: 25108441). Because the testis is an immune-privileged site lacking MHC expression, this pMHC complex is considered a highly tumor-specific target with a wide therapeutic window. Therapeutic strategies targeting this complex include TCR-engineered T-cell therapies, such as the FDA-approved afamitresgene autoleucel, which utilize modified T cells to recognize and eliminate cells displaying this specific antigen (FDA.gov, 2024). Clinical trials have demonstrated significant efficacy in solid tumors, though monitoring for cytokine release syndrome and potential cross-reactivity remains essential.

Other names

SLLMWITQC-HLA-A*02:01 complexNY-ESO-1 (157-165) HLA-A2CTAG1B peptide-MHC complexNY-ESO-1-A2SLLMWITQC peptide

T-cell receptor (TCR) mediated recognition and killing of tumor cells; TCR-engineered T-cell therapy (TCR-T); Bispecific T-cell engagers