Adenovirus hexon-derived peptide–Major Histocompatibility Complex class I complex

The Adenovirus hexon-derived peptide–Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I complex is a primary immunological target for the control of adenovirus infections (PubMed: 15140982). The hexon protein is the most abundant structural protein of the adenovirus capsid and contains highly conserved epitopes across different serotypes, making it a dominant target for T-cell mediated immunity (UniProt: P03277). During infection, hexon is processed into peptides, such as the HLA-A*02:01-restricted TYFSLNNKF epitope, which are presented on the cell surface by MHC class I molecules (PubMed: 21148301). This complex is recognized by the T-cell receptors (TCRs) of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes, triggering the release of perforins and granzymes to lyse the infected cell. In immunocompromised patients, such as those undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, the failure of this immune recognition leads to severe systemic disease. Consequently, this complex is the target of virus-specific T-cell (VST) therapies like posoleucel, which aim to restore the host's ability to clear the virus (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04353791). Emerging therapies also include TCR-engineered T cells and TCR-like antibodies designed to bind these specific pMHC complexes with high affinity.

Other names

Adenovirus hexon peptide-HLA complexAdv hexon-MHC-IHexon-derived pMHCAdenovirus hexon antigen-MHC complex

T-cell receptor (TCR) mediated recognition of the peptide-MHC complex, leading to the activation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and the subsequent lysis of the infected cell (PubMed: 15140982).