Prostate-specific membrane antigen-derived peptide–HLA-A*0201 complex (PSMA-HLA-A*0201)

The PSMA-derived peptide–HLA-A*0201 complex is a specific antigen-presenting structure found on the surface of cells, particularly prostate cancer cells. It consists of a short peptide fragment derived from the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), also known as folate hydrolase 1 (FOLH1), bound within the groove of the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) allele A*0201. This complex serves as a critical target for T-cell-based immunotherapies, including peptide vaccines and T-cell receptor (TCR)-engineered T-cell therapies. Unlike traditional antibodies that target the extracellular domain of the PSMA protein, therapies targeting this complex can recognize intracellularly processed antigens. This target is highly relevant in the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, where PSMA is significantly overexpressed. Therapeutic strategies aim to activate cytotoxic CD8+ T cells to selectively recognize and eliminate tumor cells presenting this specific peptide-MHC complex.

Other names

PSMA peptide-MHC complexPSMA-HLA-A2 complexFOLH1-HLA-A*0201 complexPSMA:HLA-A*02:01Prostate-specific membrane antigen-derived peptide–MHC Class I complex

T-cell receptor (TCR) binding to the peptide-MHC complex, triggering T-cell mediated cytotoxicity against PSMA-expressing cells.