Adenovirus hexon-derived peptide–MHC complexes (AdV-hexon-pMHC)

Adenovirus hexon-derived peptide–MHC complexes are molecular assemblies consisting of short peptides derived from the major capsid protein (hexon) of human adenovirus (HAdV) bound to Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules. These complexes are presented on the surface of infected cells and serve as the primary recognition signal for the adaptive immune system, specifically CD8+ and CD4+ T cells (Haematologica, 2010). The hexon protein is highly conserved across various adenovirus serotypes, making these pMHC complexes ideal targets for broad-spectrum antiviral therapies (Gene Therapy, 2004). In clinical practice, they are targeted by adoptive T-cell therapies, such as posoleucel (ALVR105) and other virus-specific T cells (VSTs), to treat severe adenovirus infections in immunocompromised patients, such as those following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Blood, 2015). Recognition of these complexes by T-cell receptors (TCRs) triggers a cascade of immune responses, including the release of cytotoxic granules and inflammatory cytokines, which effectively clear the viral infection. These complexes are also utilized in immune monitoring to assess the reconstitution of virus-specific immunity in transplant recipients (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03425526).

Other names

Adenovirus hexon-derived peptide-HLA complexesHAdV hexon pMHCAdenovirus hexon epitopesAdenovirus hexon-derived peptide-MHC class I complexesAdenovirus hexon-derived peptide-MHC class II complexes

T-cell receptor (TCR) recognition of the peptide-MHC complex on the surface of infected cells, leading to T-cell activation, cytokine release, and direct lysis of the target cell.