Adenovirus hexon protein-derived peptide-HLA class I complex (AdV-hexon-pMHC)

The Adenovirus hexon protein-derived peptide-HLA class I complex is a primary immunological target for the treatment of adenovirus (AdV) infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals such as hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients. The hexon protein is the most abundant structural component of the adenovirus capsid and contains highly conserved regions that serve as immunodominant epitopes across various AdV serotypes (PubMed: 12134021, PubMed: 15126556). These peptides are processed intracellularly and presented on the cell surface by Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) class I molecules. Recognition of this peptide-MHC complex by the T-cell receptors (TCRs) of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes initiates a targeted immune response, leading to the destruction of infected cells (PubMed: 24030371). Therapeutic strategies leveraging this target include the adoptive transfer of donor-derived or off-the-shelf virus-specific T cells (VSTs), such as posoleucel, which aim to restore cellular immunity against AdV (AlloVir, 2023). This approach is critical for managing severe systemic AdV disease, which can manifest as pneumonia, hepatitis, or hemorrhagic cystitis in vulnerable populations.

Other names

Adenovirus hexon peptide-MHC complexAdV-hexon-HLA complexAdenovirus-specific T-cell targetAdenovirus immunodominant peptide-HLA complexAdV-pMHC

The target complex is recognized by the T-cell receptor (TCR) of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes, which induces the release of cytotoxic granules such as perforin and granzymes, alongside pro-inflammatory cytokines like IFN-gamma, leading to the targeted apoptosis of the adenovirus-infected cell (PubMed: 24030371).