Aspergillus fumigatus peptide antigens presented on host MHC molecules (Af-pMHC)

Aspergillus fumigatus peptide antigens presented on host MHC molecules are specific protein fragments derived from the fungus that are displayed on the surface of host cells to trigger an adaptive immune response (NIH, 2022). These peptides are generated through the processing of fungal proteins—such as Asp f1, Asp f3, and Asp f9/16—by antigen-presenting cells and are loaded onto Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) Class I or Class II molecules (PLoS One, 2010). Recognition of these peptide-MHC (pMHC) complexes by T-cell receptors (TCRs) on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells is essential for the clearance of the pathogen, particularly in invasive aspergillosis (NIH, 2016). In therapeutic contexts, these complexes serve as targets for adoptive T-cell therapies and TCR-engineered T cells, which aim to restore or enhance the antifungal immunity of immunocompromised patients (Science Translational Medicine, 2022). Additionally, identifying specific immunodominant epitopes presented on common HLA alleles, such as the Asp f16 epitope presented by HLA-DRB1*03:01, facilitates the development of peptide-based vaccines and diagnostic tools for monitoring fungal-specific T-cell responses (NIH, 2016; Biores Open Access, 2016).

Other names

Aspergillus fumigatus MHC-peptide complexesAspergillus-specific T-cell epitopesAf-pMHC complexesAspergillus-specific HLA-peptide complexes

Recognition by T-cell receptors (TCRs) on CD4+ or CD8+ T cells, leading to T-cell activation, cytokine release (e.g., IFN-gamma), and direct killing of fungal hyphae or activation of innate immune cells.