Myelin peptide-HLA class II complex (pMHCII)

The myelin peptide-HLA class II complex is a molecular assembly consisting of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II molecules bound to immunodominant peptides derived from myelin proteins, such as myelin basic protein (MBP), proteolipid protein (PLP), and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG). In the context of multiple sclerosis (MS), these complexes are presented on the surface of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and are recognized by autoreactive CD4+ T-cell receptors, triggering an inflammatory cascade that leads to demyelination and axonal damage. Therapeutic strategies targeting these complexes, often referred to as antigen-specific immunotherapy, aim to restore immune tolerance by presenting these peptides in a non-inflammatory or tolerogenic context. This can be achieved through the administration of soluble peptides, soluble MHC-peptide complexes, or autologous tolerogenic dendritic cells (tolDCs) loaded with myelin antigens, all of which are designed to induce T-cell anergy, deletion, or the expansion of regulatory T-cells while selectively suppressing the pathogenic immune response against the central nervous system.

Other names

Autologous antigen-presenting cells presenting myelin peptides in the context of patient-specific HLAMHC class II-myelin peptide complexpMHCMyelin antigen-HLA complexMS-tolDC

Modulation of antigen-specific T-cell responses through the induction of anergy, deletion, or regulatory T-cell expansion.