Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Kampala International University, Uganda.
Medicine (Baltimore). 2024 Sep 6;103(36):e39513. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000039513.
Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a genetic blood disorder characterized by the production of abnormal hemoglobin S (HbS), leading to sickle-shaped red blood cells and various complications, including increased susceptibility to infections. The presence of antigenic peptides, short amino acid sequences derived from pathogens or altered self-proteins, plays a crucial role in immune responses. This review explores the global awareness of antigenic peptides, their role in immune responses in SCA patients, and the challenges and opportunities in managing infections within this vulnerable population. Antigenic peptides are central to the adaptive immune response, facilitating the recognition and elimination of pathogens by T-cells. In SCA, altered antigen presentation and impaired T-cell responses due to chronic inflammation, functional asplenia, and ongoing hemolysis contribute to increased susceptibility to infections. Pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae pose significant risks to SCA patients, highlighting the importance of robust immune responses mediated by antigenic peptides. Strategies such as vaccination and immunotherapy aim to enhance immune function by targeting specific antigenic peptides, thereby reducing infection rates and improving patient outcomes. Advances in genomics and proteomics offer insights into individual variations in antigen presentation and immune responses, guiding the development of tailored therapeutic interventions. Global collaborations are essential to address disparities in healthcare access and implement effective preventive measures, ensuring equitable outcomes for SCA patients worldwide.
镰状细胞贫血症(SCA)是一种遗传性血液疾病,其特征是产生异常的血红蛋白 S(HbS),导致红细胞呈镰状,并引发各种并发症,包括增加感染的易感性。抗原肽的存在,即源自病原体或改变的自身蛋白的短氨基酸序列,在免疫反应中起着至关重要的作用。本综述探讨了全球对抗原肽的认识,它们在 SCA 患者免疫反应中的作用,以及在这个脆弱人群中管理感染的挑战和机遇。抗原肽是适应性免疫反应的核心,促进 T 细胞识别和消除病原体。在 SCA 中,由于慢性炎症、功能性无脾和持续溶血导致抗原呈递改变和 T 细胞反应受损,增加了对感染的易感性。病原体如肺炎链球菌和流感嗜血杆菌对 SCA 患者构成重大风险,突出了抗原肽介导的强大免疫反应的重要性。疫苗接种和免疫疗法等策略旨在通过靶向特定的抗原肽来增强免疫功能,从而降低感染率并改善患者的结局。基因组学和蛋白质组学的进展提供了对抗原呈递和免疫反应个体差异的深入了解,指导了针对特定患者的治疗干预措施的制定。全球合作对于解决医疗保健获取方面的差异和实施有效的预防措施至关重要,以确保全球范围内 SCA 患者的公平结果。