Tumor escape is often associated with abnormalities in the surface expression of the human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA-I) antigens thereby limiting CD8 + cytotoxic T cell responses. This impaired HLA-I surface expression can be mediated by deficient expression of components of the antigen processing and presentation machinery (APM) due to epigenetic, transcriptional and/or post-transcriptional processes. Since a discordant mRNA and protein expression pattern of APM components including the peptide transporter associated with antigen processing 1 (TAP1) has been frequently described in tumors of distinct origin, a post-transcriptional control of APM components caused by microRNAs (miR) was suggested. Using an in silico approach, miR-200a-5p has been identified as a candidate miR binding to the 3ʹ untranslated region (UTR) of TAP1. Luciferase reporter assays demonstrated a specific binding of miR-200a-5p to the TAP1 3ʹ-UTR. Furthermore, the miR-200a-5p expression is inversely correlated with the TAP1 protein expression in HEK293T cells and in a panel of melanoma cell lines as well as in primary melanoma lesions. High levels of miR-200a-5p expression were associated with a shorter overall survival of melanoma patients. Overexpression of miR-200a-5p reduced TAP1 levels, which was accompanied by a decreased HLA-I surface expression and an enhanced NK cell sensitivity of melanoma cells. These data show for the first time a miRmediated control of the peptide transporter subunit TAP1 in melanoma thereby leading to a reduced HLA-I surface expression accompanied by an altered immune recognition and reduced patients' survival.