Adenovirus peptide-major histocompatibility complex class I (Ad-pMHC-I)

Adenovirus peptide antigens presented on MHC class I (Ad-pMHC-I) represent the primary molecular target for the cellular immune system to identify and eliminate adenovirus-infected cells. These complexes consist of short viral peptide fragments, typically derived from conserved internal proteins like the hexon or DNA polymerase, which are processed and loaded onto Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I molecules within the host cell. Once displayed on the cell surface, these complexes are recognized by the T-cell receptors (TCRs) of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). This recognition event triggers the release of perforins and granzymes, leading to the apoptosis of the infected cell and control of the viral infection. In therapeutic contexts, particularly for immunocompromised patients such as hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients, these pMHC complexes are targeted by adoptively transferred virus-specific T-cells (VSTs) or TCR-engineered therapies to restore antiviral immunity.

Other names

Adenoviral peptide-HLA class I complexAdenovirus antigen-MHC I complexAdenovirus-specific pMHCAdenovirus peptide-MHC class I complex

Recognition of the peptide-MHC complex by the T-cell receptor (TCR) on CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes, leading to the activation of the T cell and subsequent lysis of the adenovirus-infected cell.