1
Return

Phosphorylation shapes antigen presentation and immune recognition: mechanistic insights and translational perspectives

delete2026-08-13
delete0
delete
OA
AI
R
RR Ramesh Rijal *
A
AF Alexandre F. Marques *
DOI:10.3389/fimmu.2026.1824717delete
deleteOriginal
deleteOriginal request for help
deleteShare
deleteSave
Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Phosphorylation is a reversible post-translational modification that dynamically regulates immune responses by reshaping the antigen profiles. Phosphoproteomics and immunopeptidomics studies reveal that phosphorylated peptides (phosphopeptides) are naturally processed and presented by MHC class I and II molecules and can elicit robust T-cell responses. These epitopes influence proteasome cleavage; TAP transport; and MHC loading; defining the immunopeptidome under physiological and pathological states. Structurally; phosphate groups enhance MHC binding and immunogenicity; positioning phosphorylated neoantigens as promising targets for cancer immunotherapy and vaccine development. Beyond adaptive immunity; phosphorylation regulates innate signaling through Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and antigen-presenting cell activation; linking post-translational modifications to immune plasticity. Infections by parasites and bacteria such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis exploit phosphoregulation to evade antigen presentation; revealing conserved mechanisms of immune modulation. Integrating phosphoproteomic data with immune profiling may uncover new biomarkers and therapeutic strategies. This review summarizes how phosphorylation shapes antigen presentation and immune recognition across cancer; infection; and inflammation; and outlines future directions for phosphoantigen-based immunotherapy.
Keywords:
immune evasion
antigen processing
host–pathogen interactions
MHC class I presentation
phosphopeptides
T cell recognition

Journal

Frontiers in Immunology cover
Frontiers in Immunology
IF:
5.9
Papers:
4.9W
Citations:
22.7W

Organization

No organization information available
Cited Papers

Cited Papers

Citing Papers

Citing Papers