Major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) presenting Dermatophagoides-derived peptides (MHC-II-HDM complex)

Major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) molecules on antigen-presenting cells (APCs) are central to the immune recognition of house dust mite (HDM) allergens. These molecules, including HLA-DR, HLA-DQ, and HLA-DP, present Dermatophagoides-derived peptides, such as those from Der p 1 and Der p 2, to CD4+ T cells (PubMed: 25244411, PubMed: 28838190). This presentation is the initiating step in the allergic cascade, leading to Th2 cell activation, IgE production, and subsequent airway inflammation in asthma and allergic rhinitis (PubMed: 26923175). Therapeutic strategies like allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) target this interaction by providing controlled exposure to these peptides to induce immune tolerance (FDA: Odactra). By engaging the MHC-II-peptide complex, these treatments aim to expand regulatory T-cell populations and reduce the sensitivity of effector cells. Understanding the specific binding of HDM peptides to MHC-II is crucial for the development of next-generation peptide-based vaccines that offer improved safety and efficacy profiles (PubMed: 26923175).

Other names

HLA-DR-HDM peptide complexMHC-II-Der p complexMHC-II-Der f complexHouse dust mite peptide-MHC II complex

Induction of immune tolerance through T-cell desensitization, regulatory T-cell (Treg) expansion, and immune deviation from Th2 to Th1 responses (PubMed: 26923175).