Aspergillus fumigatus peptide–Human Leukocyte Antigen complexes (Af-pHLA complexes)

Aspergillus fumigatus peptide–Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) complexes are molecular assemblies consisting of fungal-derived peptide fragments bound to host HLA molecules on the cell surface. These complexes are the fundamental units recognized by the T-cell receptor (TCR), facilitating the adaptive immune response against Aspergillus fumigatus, a major cause of life-threatening infections in immunocompromised patients (Bacher et al., 2014, Cell Host & Microbe). The presentation of specific fungal antigens, such as those derived from the cell wall proteins Crf1 or Gel1, on HLA class II molecules is crucial for the activation of protective CD4+ T-helper cells (Ramadan et al., 2005, J Clin Invest). In the context of immunotherapy, these complexes are targeted by adoptive T-cell transfer, where Aspergillus-specific T cells are infused into patients to restore antifungal immunity (Stuehler et al., 2015, Blood). Research into the fungal immunopeptidome aims to identify high-affinity peptide-HLA combinations to improve the precision of TCR-engineered therapies and vaccine candidates (Wüthrich et al., 2012, Nat Rev Immunol). Consequently, these complexes represent a pivotal interface between the pathogen and the host immune system, serving as both a diagnostic marker of infection and a therapeutic target for advanced cellular medicines.

Other names

Aspergillus fumigatus MHC-peptide complexesAspergillus antigen-HLA complexesFungal peptide-MHC complexesAspergillus fumigatus pMHC

T-cell receptor (TCR) recognition of the peptide-HLA complex leading to T-cell activation and targeted elimination of the pathogen or infected cells.