Adenovirus hexon protein peptide-Major Histocompatibility Complex (AdV Hexon-MHC)

The Adenovirus hexon protein peptide-Major Histocompatibility Complex (AdV Hexon-MHC) is a molecular assembly found on the surface of cells infected with human adenovirus (HAdV). The hexon protein is the most abundant structural protein of the viral capsid and contains highly conserved regions that serve as the primary targets for protective T-cell mediated immunity (Leen et al., 2006, Blood). During infection, hexon proteins are proteolytically processed into short peptides, which are then loaded onto MHC Class I molecules and transported to the cell surface for presentation to CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (Tang et al., 2006, Journal of Virology). This complex is a critical target for immunotherapies, particularly in the context of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) where adenovirus can cause severe morbidity and mortality (Feuchtinger et al., 2004, British Journal of Haematology). Current therapeutic approaches include the use of multivirus-specific T cells, such as Posoleucel (ALVR106), which recognize hexon-derived epitopes to eliminate infected cells (Tzannou et al., 2017, Journal of Clinical Oncology). Additionally, research into TCR-engineered T cells and TCR-like antibodies specifically targeting these pMHC complexes is ongoing to provide more precise treatment options for refractory infections (AlloVir, 2023). The specificity of the TCR for the hexon peptide-MHC complex ensures that only infected cells are targeted, though challenges such as HLA restriction and viral immune evasion must be addressed.

Other names

Adenovirus hexon pMHCAdV hexon antigen-HLA complexHAdV hexon peptide-MHCAdenoviral hexon epitope-MHC

Recognition of the peptide-MHC complex by the T-cell receptor (TCR) of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes, triggering the release of perforins and granzymes to induce apoptosis in the infected cell (Tzannou et al., 2017, Journal of Clinical Oncology).