Adenovirus early-region peptide–HLA complex (AdV-peptide-HLA)

Adenovirus early-region peptide–HLA complexes are molecular assemblies consisting of short peptide fragments derived from the early-expressed proteins of the Adenovirus (AdV) genome—such as E1A, E1B, E3, and E4—bound to Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) molecules on the surface of infected cells (Leen et al., 2006, Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation). These complexes serve as the primary recognition signals for the host's cellular immune system, specifically cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). In healthy individuals, T-cell receptors (TCRs) identify these complexes, leading to the destruction of infected cells and control of the virus (Feuchtinger et al., 2004, British Journal of Haematology). However, in immunocompromised patients, such as those undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), the lack of a robust T-cell response can lead to disseminated and potentially fatal adenovirus disease (NCBI, 2023). Therapeutic strategies targeting these complexes include the adoptive transfer of donor-derived adenovirus-specific T cells (VSTs) or the development of TCR-engineered T cells designed to bind specifically to these viral peptide-MHC presentations (AlloVir, 2024). These interventions aim to restore or enhance the immune system's ability to clear the infection by leveraging the high specificity of the TCR-peptide-HLA interaction.

Other names

Adenovirus early protein-MHC complexAdV E1A-HLA complexAdV E1B-HLA complexAdenovirus-specific T-cell targetAdV-pMHCAdenovirus early-region antigen-HLA complex

T-cell receptor (TCR) binding to the peptide-HLA complex triggers signaling through the CD3 complex, leading to the activation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes, secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as IFN-gamma), and targeted lysis of the adenovirus-infected cell.