Tumor-associated antigen peptide presented by HLA-A*02 (null)

Tumor-associated antigens presented by HLA-A*02 are short peptides derived from proteins uniquely or preferentially expressed by tumor cells, which are processed intracellularly and presented on the cell surface bound to the HLA-A*02 molecule. HLA-A*02 is a common allele of the HLA class I system and is central in presenting these peptides to CD8+ T lymphocytes, thereby enabling specific immune recognition and destruction of cancer cells[3][4][5][6][8]. The set of presented tumor-associated peptides is highly variable: examples include epitopes derived from the proteins MAGE-A3, AFP, and CENPI in hepatocellular carcinoma[3][6]. Therapies target these complexes either via vaccination with synthetic peptides, adoptive transfer of engineered TCR-T cells specific for certain peptide–HLA-A*02 complexes, or other immunotherapeutic strategies. However, eligibility is limited to patients with the HLA-A*02 genotype, and safety concerns include off-tumor on-target effects and tumor HLA downregulation as an escape mechanism[2][5][6][8].

Other names

Tumor antigen peptides-HLA-A*02 complexHLA-A*02-presented tumor antigensHLA-A2-restricted tumor antigens

Induction of cytotoxic CD8+ T cell responses against cells displaying tumor antigens in the context of HLA-A*02[3][6][8] Activation of adaptive immunity via T cell receptor recognition of specific peptide–HLA-A*02 complexes[3][6]