NY-ESO-1 peptide-MHC class II complex (NY-ESO-1/MHC-II)

NY-ESO-1 peptide presented by MHC class II is a molecular complex formed by the Cancer/Testis Antigen 1B (CTAG1B) and Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class II molecules, primarily HLA-DP4 (HLA-DPB1*04:01) [UniProt: P78358, PubMed: 10974032]. NY-ESO-1 is a highly immunogenic protein typically restricted to testicular germ cells but frequently overexpressed in various malignancies, such as synovial sarcoma, melanoma, and ovarian cancer [PubMed: 15128850]. The presentation of NY-ESO-1 peptides on MHC class II allows for the recognition and activation of CD4+ T-helper cells, which are essential for coordinating a robust anti-tumor immune response through cytokine secretion and the promotion of CD8+ T-cell longevity [PubMed: 30617336]. This complex serves as a critical target for therapeutic interventions, including cancer vaccines like NY-ESO-1 ISCOMATRIX and adoptive T-cell receptor (TCR-T) therapies [NCT02395627]. Because NY-ESO-1 is not expressed in normal somatic tissues, targeting this complex minimizes the risk of on-target, off-tumor toxicity, making it an ideal candidate for precision immunotherapy.

Other names

CTAG1B peptide-HLA class II complexCancer/testis antigen 1B peptide-MHC IINY-ESO-1:157-170/HLA-DP4NY-ESO-1/HLA-DPB1*04:01

Recognition by specific T-cell receptors (TCRs) on CD4+ T lymphocytes, leading to immune activation, cytokine production, and coordination of the anti-tumor response.