Myelin basic protein peptide–Major Histocompatibility Complex (MBP-MHC complex)

The Myelin basic protein peptide–Major Histocompatibility Complex (MBP-MHC) is a molecular assembly consisting of an immunodominant fragment of myelin basic protein (MBP) bound within the peptide-binding groove of an MHC molecule, most commonly MHC class II (HLA-DR2 in humans). This complex is presented on the surface of antigen-presenting cells to CD4+ T-cells, serving as a critical signal for the initiation of the adaptive immune response. In Multiple Sclerosis (MS), the MBP-MHC complex is a primary target of autoreactive T-cells, which recognize the complex as foreign and initiate an inflammatory attack on the myelin sheath of the central nervous system (PubMed: 10623861). Therapeutic interventions targeting this complex, such as Glatiramer acetate, work by competing with MBP for MHC binding or by inducing immunological tolerance to prevent the autoimmune cascade (StatPearls: NBK537002). Because this target is central to the pathogenesis of MS, it remains a focal point for developing antigen-specific immunotherapies that aim to treat the disease without causing broad systemic immunosuppression.

Other names

MBP-HLA complexMyelin basic protein-HLA-DR2 complexMBP peptide-MHC II complexMBP84-102-HLA-DRB1*15:01 complex

Competitive inhibition of peptide binding to MHC class II molecules, induction of antigen-specific T-cell anergy, and promotion of regulatory T-cell (Treg) differentiation to suppress neuroinflammation.