Adenovirus hexon and penton peptide–Major Histocompatibility Complex class I complex (Adv hexon/penton-MHC I)

Adenovirus hexon and penton peptide–MHC class I complexes are specialized molecular structures presented on the surface of cells infected with Human Adenovirus (HAdV). These complexes consist of short peptide fragments derived from the virus's major structural proteins—the hexon and penton base—bound within the groove of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I molecules (Aiello et al., 2017, Journal of Virology). The hexon protein, in particular, is highly immunodominant, containing conserved epitopes that are recognized by the T-cell receptors (TCRs) of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes. This recognition is a critical component of the host's adaptive immune response, leading to the targeted destruction of virally infected cells. In the context of therapeutic development, these pMHC complexes serve as the primary targets for adoptive immunotherapy, including the administration of virus-specific T cells (VSTs) to immunocompromised patients, such as hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients (Leen et al., 2008, Blood). By targeting these specific viral signatures, therapies like posoleucel aim to restore protective immunity and clear systemic adenovirus infections without the broad toxicity associated with traditional antivirals (AlloVir, 2023).

Other names

Adenovirus antigen-MHC I complexHAdV hexon-HLA complexHAdV penton-HLA complexAdenovirus pMHC complexAdenovirus-specific peptide-MHC class I complex

T-cell receptor (TCR) mediated recognition of the peptide-MHC complex leading to cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activation, secretion of perforin and granzymes, and subsequent lysis of the infected cell (Leen et al., 2008, Blood).