Adenovirus hexon peptide–Major Histocompatibility Complex (Adv-hexon-MHC)

The Adenovirus hexon peptide–Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) is a cell-surface assembly consisting of a proteolytically processed fragment of the adenovirus hexon protein bound to an MHC molecule, typically MHC Class I. The hexon protein is the primary structural component of the adenovirus capsid and contains highly conserved sequences across various human adenovirus (HAdV) serotypes (UniProt P03277). During viral replication, hexon proteins are synthesized and degraded within the host cell, and the resulting peptides are presented on the cell surface to signal the presence of infection. This complex acts as a specific molecular flag that allows CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes to recognize and destroy infected cells (Leen et al., 2006, PMID: 16415877). In therapeutic development, this complex is a major target for adoptive immunotherapy, particularly in immunocompromised patients such as hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients (Feuchtinger et al., 2004, PMID: 15139994). Drugs targeting this complex, such as Posoleucel (ALVR106), utilize virus-specific T-cells to restore the patient's ability to clear the infection (AlloVir, 2023). Because the hexon protein is highly conserved, targeting these complexes can provide broad protection against multiple adenovirus strains.

Other names

Adenovirus hexon-HLA complexHAdV hexon-MHC class I complexHexon-derived peptide-MHCAdenovirus hexon antigen-MHC

Recognition by T-cell receptors (TCRs) on cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) leading to the targeted lysis of virus-infected cells via the release of perforins and granzymes.