Fig 1. Immunopeptodomics identifies which peptides derived from T. cruzi antigens can be detected by CD8+ cytotoxic T cells (CTLs).

After a T. cruzi trypomastigote invades a host cell, it enters the cytosol and transforms into the amastigote stage. During this process, several parasitic proteins become available for antigen processing by the proteasome followed by peptide presentation on MHC-I. This presentation can activate CTLs which secrete granules and cytokines to clear the infected cells. Immunopeptidomics will help us understand which proteins become available for the antigen processing and presentation machinery. Red encircled is the key event where immunopeptidomics is used to learn information on which peptides are presented. Created with Biorender.com.