Adenovirus hexon and penton protein-derived peptides presented on Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) (AdV hexon/penton-HLA complex)

Adenovirus hexon- and penton-derived peptides presented on Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) molecules are the primary targets for cellular immunity against adenovirus (AdV) infections. The hexon and penton base proteins are major components of the viral capsid; during infection, these proteins are processed into short peptides and presented on the surface of infected cells by HLA Class I and Class II molecules [PMID: 18332217]. This presentation allows the host's immune system, specifically CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, to identify and eliminate infected cells through the release of perforins, granzymes, and pro-inflammatory cytokines like IFN-gamma [PMID: 24615619]. In immunocompromised individuals, such as those undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), the absence of these T cells can lead to life-threatening disseminated infection. Therapeutic approaches like adoptive T-cell therapy (e.g., Posoleucel) utilize donor-derived T cells that specifically recognize these hexon and penton epitopes to restore viral control [PMID: 28232465]. Because the hexon protein is highly conserved across different AdV species, it serves as an ideal target for generating broad-spectrum T-cell products capable of treating multiple adenovirus serotypes.

Other names

Adenovirus antigen-HLA complexAdV hexon/penton MHC-peptide complexAdenovirus-specific T-cell epitopesAdV-HLA complexAdenovirus hexon and penton base peptides

Adoptive immunotherapy using T cells that express T-cell receptors (TCRs) specific for adenovirus hexon or penton peptides presented on HLA, leading to the targeted lysis of adenovirus-infected cells [PMID: 28232465].