The MAGEA family is comprised of 12 highly homologous genes clusted at Xq28. The genes are characterized by the presence of a conserved domain (MHD, MAGE Homology Domain). MAGEA gene expression occurs in the normal human germline, and in a wide range of tumors.

MAGEA1 was the first CT antigen to be discovered. MAGEA1 is expressed in a wide variety of human cancers at the RNA and protein level.

Naturally occuring cellular immune reponses against MAGEA1 are low and not frequently detected in cancer patients. Antigen-specific immune responses can be induced by immunization with MAGEA1.

MAGE family proteins bind to and activate RING E3 ubiquitin ligases. MAGE-A proteins interact with p53 proteins and may block the association of p53 with its cognate sites in chromatin.