Adenovirus peptide-HLA complex (AdV-HLA)

Adenovirus peptide antigens presented on HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) molecules are the fundamental units recognized by the adaptive immune system to control adenoviral infections. These complexes are formed when viral proteins, most notably the immunodominant Hexon protein, are proteolytically processed into short peptides and loaded onto HLA Class I or Class II molecules for surface display (Feuchtinger et al., 2004, Blood). The recognition of these peptide-HLA (pMHC) complexes by the T-cell receptors (TCRs) of virus-specific T-cells (VSTs) is the critical step in initiating a targeted immune response, leading to the destruction of infected cells and the reduction of viral load (Leen et al., 2006, Blood). In the context of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) or solid organ transplantation, the absence of these T-cell responses can lead to severe, disseminated adenovirus disease. Therapeutic strategies such as the administration of allogeneic, multivirus-specific T-cells (e.g., Posoleucel) target these specific AdV-HLA complexes to provide immediate cellular immunity to vulnerable patients (Tzannou et al., 2017, Journal of Clinical Oncology). The success of these therapies depends on the precise matching of HLA alleles between the T-cell product and the patient to ensure effective pMHC recognition and avoid off-target effects (AlloVir, 2023).

Other names

Adenoviral peptide-MHC complexAdV-MHC complexAdenovirus antigen-HLA complexAdenovirus-specific T-cell targetpMHC complex

Recognition by T-cell receptors (TCRs) on cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs) or helper T-cells, triggering immune-mediated lysis of adenovirus-infected cells and cytokine production.