Adenovirus hexon-derived peptide-MHC class I complex (Adv-hexon-MHC-I)

Adenovirus hexon-derived peptide antigens presented on MHC class I molecules are critical targets for the cellular immune response against human adenovirus (HAdV) infections. The hexon protein is the most abundant structural component of the adenovirus capsid and contains highly conserved regions across different serotypes, making its derived peptides ideal for broad-spectrum T-cell recognition (Tang et al., 2016, Scientific Reports). These peptides are processed intracellularly and loaded onto MHC class I molecules for presentation on the surface of infected cells. CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) recognize these specific peptide-MHC complexes via their T-cell receptors (TCRs), leading to the targeted destruction of the infected cell (Feuchtinger et al., 2004, British Journal of Haematology). In clinical settings, particularly for immunocompromised patients such as those undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, these complexes are targeted using adoptive T-cell therapies, such as virus-specific T cells (VSTs), to restore or enhance viral clearance (Leen et al., 2006, Blood). The therapeutic success of targeting these complexes depends heavily on the matching of HLA alleles and the presence of immunodominant epitopes like TYFSLNNKF or TDLGQNLLY (Aiello et al., 2017, Journal of Virology).

Other names

Adenovirus hexon antigenHAdV hexon peptide-HLA complexMHC-I restricted adenovirus hexon epitopeAdenovirus hexon-derived peptide-HLA-A*01 complexAdenovirus hexon-derived peptide-HLA-A*02 complex

Recognition of the peptide-MHC complex by the T-cell receptor (TCR) on CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes, triggering the release of perforin and granzymes to induce apoptosis in the infected cell (Feuchtinger et al., 2004, British Journal of Haematology).