Candida peptide–Human Leukocyte Antigen complex (Candida pHLA)

Candida peptide–Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) complexes are molecular structures formed when peptides derived from Candida species, such as Candida albicans, are processed and presented on the surface of infected host cells by HLA molecules (Purwanti et al., 2023, Nature Communications). These complexes are essential for the adaptive immune system, as they allow T-cell receptors (TCRs) to identify and respond to intracellular or internalized fungal pathogens. In the context of invasive candidiasis, these complexes represent highly specific therapeutic targets for next-generation immunotherapies, including TCR-like antibodies and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells (Wong et al., 2021, Frontiers in Immunology). By targeting the unique interface of the fungal peptide and the host HLA, these therapies aim to selectively eliminate infected cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. However, the clinical application of these targets is complicated by the vast diversity of HLA alleles across the human population and the risk of cross-reactivity with similar self-peptides (Ramachandran et al., 2022, Journal of Fungi). Research into the Candida immunopeptidome continues to identify novel epitopes that could serve as the basis for vaccines or targeted biologicals.

Other names

Candida peptide-MHC complexCandida pMHCFungal peptide-HLA complexCandida albicans peptide-HLA complex

Therapeutic agents such as TCR-like antibodies or CAR-T cells specifically recognize and bind to the fungal peptide presented within the HLA groove on the surface of infected cells, triggering immune-mediated destruction of the pathogen-harboring cell.