Aspergillus fumigatus peptide-HLA complex (Af-pMHC)

The Aspergillus fumigatus peptide-HLA complex is a molecular assembly consisting of a short peptide fragment derived from Aspergillus fumigatus proteins and a host Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) molecule. These complexes are presented on the surface of infected cells or professional antigen-presenting cells, serving as the primary recognition signal for the adaptive immune system (Bacher et al., 2014, Cell). In patients with invasive aspergillosis, particularly those who are severely immunocompromised, the natural T-cell response to these complexes is often insufficient or absent (Perruccio et al., 2005, Blood). Therapeutic strategies target these complexes using adoptive T-cell transfer, where Aspergillus-specific T cells (ASTCs) are infused into the patient to recognize the pMHC and initiate an antifungal response (Beck et al., 2006, Journal of Infectious Diseases). This recognition triggers the release of cytotoxic molecules like perforin and granzymes, as well as Th1 cytokines such as interferon-gamma, which enhance the clearance of the fungal pathogen (Stuehler et al., 2015, Journal of Immunology). Because the peptides are derived from specific fungal proteins like Crf1 or Gel1, the therapy can be highly targeted, although it requires matching the patient's specific HLA alleles to ensure effective binding and recognition.

Other names

Aspergillus fumigatus protein-derived peptide-HLA complexAspergillus-specific pMHCFungal peptide-MHC complexAspergillus antigen-HLA complex

Recognition by specific T-cell receptors (TCRs) on CD4+ or CD8+ T cells, leading to immune activation, cytokine production (e.g., IFN-gamma), and direct lysis of infected cells or fungal elements.