Peptide–Major Histocompatibility Complex (pMHC)

Peptide–Major Histocompatibility Complex (pMHC) molecules on dendritic cells are the fundamental units of antigen recognition by the adaptive immune system. In the context of dendritic cell vaccines, these complexes consist of specific antigenic peptides—often derived from tumor-associated antigens or pathogens—loaded onto MHC Class I or Class II molecules. When these vaccine-primed dendritic cells are administered to a patient, the pMHC complexes interact directly with the T-cell receptors (TCRs) of naive or memory T-cells. This interaction, supported by co-stimulatory signals provided by the dendritic cell, triggers a robust and specific immune response, leading to the expansion of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs) or helper T-cells. Consequently, pMHC complexes serve as the critical bridge between innate and adaptive immunity, making them a central focus for personalized cancer immunotherapy and infectious disease prevention.

Other names

pMHC complexAntigen-MHC complexHLA-peptide complexMHC-peptide complexAntigen-presenting complex

Presentation of specific antigenic peptides to T-cell receptors (TCRs) to induce a targeted immune response against cells expressing the same antigen.