BK polyomavirus antigen-derived peptide–Human Leukocyte Antigen complex (BKV-HLA complex)

BK polyomavirus (BKV) antigen-derived peptide–Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) complexes are the primary molecular targets presented on the surface of infected urothelial and renal tubular cells. These complexes are formed when viral proteins, such as the Large T-antigen (LTAg) or capsid protein VP1, are intracellularly processed into short peptides and loaded onto HLA Class I or II molecules for presentation to the immune system (Source: PubMed, PMID: 30135146). In the context of therapeutic immunosuppression, particularly following kidney transplantation, BKV can reactivate and cause BKV-associated nephropathy (BKVAN), which significantly threatens graft survival (Source: StatPearls, NBK482331). Therapeutic interventions like adoptive T-cell therapy (e.g., Posoleucel) utilize these complexes as specific docking sites for virus-specific T cells (VSTs), which recognize the BKV-pMHC complex via their T-cell receptors (TCRs) to induce targeted cell death (Source: AlloVir, Clinical Trials). This target is highly specific to infected cells, minimizing damage to uninfected renal tissue, though efficacy is dependent on the patient's HLA profile and the specific viral epitopes presented. The development of TCR-based therapies further emphasizes the importance of these complexes in managing polyomavirus-related complications in transplant medicine (Source: Journal of Clinical Investigation, 2021).

Other names

BKV peptide-MHC complexBKV-pMHCBK virus antigen-HLA complexBKV-specific peptide-HLA complexBK polyomavirus antigen-derived peptide–MHC complex

Targeting of infected cells via T-cell receptor (TCR) recognition of the peptide-HLA complex, triggering cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) mediated apoptosis of the host cell.