UTA2-1 peptide–HLA-A*0201 complex (UTA2-1–HLA-A*0201)

The UTA2-1 peptide–HLA-A*0201 complex is a specific molecular target consisting of a peptide fragment derived from the Uteroglobin-related protein 2 (also known as SCGB3A2) presented by the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) allele A*02:01. This complex is primarily found on the surface of certain cancer cells, particularly in lung cancer, where the source protein is overexpressed. It serves as a critical recognition element for the cellular immune system, specifically for CD8+ T cells that possess a T-cell receptor (TCR) specific to this peptide-MHC combination. In the context of immunotherapy, this complex is targeted by TCR-engineered T-cell therapies (TCR-T) and peptide-based vaccines designed to induce a potent and selective immune attack against malignant cells while sparing normal tissues. The specificity of the interaction between the TCR and the UTA2-1–HLA-A*0201 complex is a cornerstone of precision oncology, though its efficacy depends on the patient's HLA genotype and the consistent expression of the target antigen on the tumor surface.

Other names

UTA2-1–HLA-A2 complexUTA2-1–MHC Class I complexUTA2-1 peptide-MHC complexUteroglobin-related protein 2 peptide–HLA-A*02:01 complex

The complex acts as a specific ligand for T-cell receptors (TCRs) on CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Therapeutic interventions, such as TCR-engineered T cells (TCR-T), are designed to recognize this specific peptide-HLA complex on the surface of tumor cells, leading to targeted cell lysis and an anti-tumor immune response.