Melanoma Antigen Family A, 4 (MAGE-A4) is a member of the melanoma-associated antigen (MAGE) family, which is a subclass of cancer/testis (CT) antigens. These antigens are characterized by their restricted expression in immune-privileged tissues such as the testis and placenta, and their aberrant expression in various cancers .
The MAGE family was first identified in the early 1990s, with MAGE-A4 being one of the 12 family A MAGE genes identified by De Plaen et al. in 1994 . The MAGE-A4 gene encodes a 317-amino acid polypeptide . The protein structure includes a conserved MAGE homology domain, which is shared among the MAGE family members .
MAGE-A4 is expressed in a variety of cancer cell lines, including melanoma, sarcoma, and bladder cancer, but is typically not found in normal tissues except for the testis and placenta . This restricted expression pattern makes MAGE-A4 an attractive target for cancer immunotherapy .
The primary function of MAGE-A4 in normal tissues is not well understood. However, in cancer cells, MAGE-A4 is associated with increased cell proliferation, survival, and resistance to various therapies . This makes it a valuable biomarker and therapeutic target in cancer treatment .
Given its restricted expression in normal tissues and widespread expression in various cancers, MAGE-A4 has been explored as a target for cancer immunotherapy. Strategies include cancer vaccines, adoptive T-cell transfer, and combination therapies . Clinical trials targeting MAGE-A4 have shown promising results, suggesting that it could play a significant role in the future of cancer treatment .