Major histocompatibility complex–peptide interface

The major histocompatibility complex–peptide interface is the molecular region where fragments of intracellular or extracellular proteins (peptides) bind to the groove of an MHC class I or class II molecule. This complex is displayed on the cell surface and is essential for immune surveillance: it is recognized by T-cell receptors, triggering immune responses against infected or malignant cells. The interface is defined by a binding groove on the MHC molecule and the complementary anchor residues of the peptide; polymorphisms in the MHC affect which peptides can bind. While this interface itself is not a canonical drug target, it is central to immunotherapeutic strategies and diseases involving antigen presentation, immunity, and autoimmunity.

Other names

MHC–peptide binding interfacepeptide–MHC interfaceMHC–peptide complex interface

Null (No direct drugs, but targeted immunotherapies may function by altering peptide presentation or MHC stability.)