HLA Molecules and Beyond

Dear Colleagues,

As the COVID-19 pandemic is crippling the world, the reservoir of pathogens that can be detrimental to human health is of utmost importance. This Special Issue is focusing on understanding the critical role and diversity of antigen-presenting molecules in humans and animals. The classical HLA molecules that present peptides are well-studied in this group, being able to activate the immune system and in turn control and determine the outcome of a given infection.

Since the first description and characterisation of peptide-binding HLA molecules in 1987, we have developed a deeper understanding of the diversity of the peptide repertoire (length, post-translational modification, motif, chemical properties) that the classical HLAs can present, as well as their corresponding immune response. In addition, we also know that antigen-presenting molecules can bind to lipids, small metabolites, or even drugs, and that with the further advances of comparative immunology, there is no doubt that new and uncharacterised ligands will be discovered.

A deep characterisation of those molecules and the type of ligand they are able to bind and present to the immune system is critical to understand the infection and outcome of a disease, to provide new therapeutics and vaccines, as well as understanding the fundamental interplay between the different molecules of the immune system.

Therefore, we are calling for research articles, reviews, and opinion pieces focusing on antigen presenting molecules encompassing HLA and beyond the classical HLA molecules.

Prof. Dr. Stephanie Gras
Dr. Jerome Le Nours
Dr. Dimitra Chatzileontiadou
Dr. Christopher Szeto
Guest Editors

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