T cell receptor specific for NY-ESO-1 (157-165) peptide presented by HLA-A*02:01 (NY-ESO-1/HLA-A2 TCR)

The T cell receptor (TCR) specific for the NY-ESO-1 (157-165) peptide presented by HLA-A*02:01 is a recombinant or naturally derived receptor used in adoptive cell transfer (ACT) to treat malignancies expressing the cancer-testis antigen NY-ESO-1 [1]. NY-ESO-1 is an ideal target due to its high expression in tumors like synovial sarcoma and melanoma and its restricted expression in normal tissues, primarily the testis, which lacks MHC expression [2]. The TCR recognizes the specific peptide sequence SLLMWITQC when it is processed and presented by the HLA-A*02:01 molecule on the tumor cell surface [3]. High-affinity variants, such as the 1G4 TCR, have been developed to enhance the sensitivity and efficacy of engineered T cells (TCR-T) or soluble bispecific molecules (ImmTACs) [4]. Upon binding to the peptide-MHC complex, the TCR triggers T-cell activation, leading to the release of perforins, granzymes, and pro-inflammatory cytokines that induce tumor cell apoptosis [5]. Clinical trials have demonstrated that targeting this complex can lead to significant tumor regression, although patient selection is limited to those who are HLA-A*02:01 positive and have NY-ESO-1-positive tumors [6].

Other names

NY-ESO-1-specific T cell receptor1G4 TCRSLLMWITQC-specific TCRNY-ESO-1/HLA-A2 TCRNY-ESO-1 157-165/HLA-A*02:01-specific TCR

Adoptive T-cell therapy involving the engineering of T cells to express a high-affinity TCR that recognizes the NY-ESO-1 peptide-MHC complex, leading to targeted tumor cell lysis.