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

The Myelin basic protein peptide-Major Histocompatibility Complex (MBP-MHC) is a molecular assembly consisting of a fragment of the myelin basic protein bound to the groove of an MHC molecule, typically MHC Class II (HLA-DR) (Wucherpfennig et al., 1994, PMID: 7525846). This complex is a central target in the pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), where it is recognized by autoreactive CD4+ T cells (Oksenberg et al., 1993, PMID: 8406444). Recognition of the MBP-MHC complex by the T-cell receptor triggers an inflammatory cascade that leads to the destruction of the myelin sheath in the central nervous system. In healthy individuals, these complexes are involved in maintaining peripheral tolerance, but in MS patients, this tolerance is breached. Therapeutic strategies targeting the MBP-MHC complex aim to modulate the immune response specifically, avoiding the side effects of broad immunosuppression. Drugs like Glatiramer acetate act as decoy antigens that compete for MHC binding and shift the immune response toward a less inflammatory state (PubChem CID 71306834). Newer peptide-based therapies, such as ATX-MS-1467, are designed to induce long-term immune tolerance or anergy in MBP-specific T cells (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01427829). By specifically addressing the MBP-MHC interaction, these treatments aim to halt neurodegeneration while preserving the rest of the immune system's functionality (Anokion, 2024).

Other names

MBP peptide-MHC complexMBP-HLA-DR2 complexMyelin basic protein epitope-MHC complexMBP(85-99)-HLA-DRB1*15:01

Competitive binding to MHC class II molecules to prevent auto-reactive T-cell activation and induction of antigen-specific immune tolerance through T-cell anergy or regulatory T-cell expansion (PubChem CID 71306834; PMID: 21930768).