Publications & Results

PNAS┃May 9, 2024┃121 (23) e2309674121┃https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2309674121

Authors: Balázs Koncz, Gergő Mihály Balogh, Máté Manczinger (BRC)

Abstract: The identification of immunogenic peptides has become essential in an increasing number of fields in immunology, ranging from tumor immunotherapy to vaccine development. The nature of the adaptive immune response is shaped by the similarity between foreign and self-protein sequences, a concept extensively applied in numerous studies. Can we precisely define the degree of similarity to self? Furthermore, do we accurately define immune self? In the current work, we aim to unravel the conceptual and mechanistic vagueness hindering the assessment of self-similarity. Accordingly, we demonstrate the remarkably low consistency among commonly employed measures and highlight potential avenues for future research.