BK polyomavirus large T antigen-derived peptide-MHC class I complex (BKV LTAg pMHC)

BK polyomavirus (BKV) large T antigen (LTAg) is a multifunctional early viral protein essential for viral DNA replication and host cell cycle subversion [1.2.1, 1.2.3]. In infected cells, LTAg is processed by the proteasome into short peptides, which are then loaded onto MHC class I molecules for presentation on the cell surface [1.4.3, 1.4.5]. These peptide-MHC (pMHC) complexes serve as the primary targets for CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), which recognize them via specific T-cell receptors (TCRs) to initiate the lysis of infected cells [1.1.2, 1.4.4]. Reactivation of BKV in immunocompromised individuals can lead to severe complications like BK polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (BKVAN) and hemorrhagic cystitis, making these pMHC complexes critical focal points for immunotherapy [1.1.1, 1.3.2]. Therapeutic strategies targeting these antigens include adoptive T-cell therapies, such as posoleucel, which utilize donor-derived, virus-specific T cells to restore immune control in patients [1.5.1, 1.5.3]. Targeting these specific epitopes allows for a precise immune response against the virus while minimizing damage to healthy tissues [1.5.5]. The LTAg protein is highly conserved across BKV strains, making its derived peptides reliable targets for broad-spectrum T-cell products [1.4.1]. Clinical monitoring of these targets often involves measuring viral DNA loads and assessing the frequency of antigen-specific T cells in the blood [1.5.4].

Other names

BKV LTAg epitopesBKV large T antigen HLA-restricted peptidesBKPyV LTAg peptide-MHC complexesBK polyomavirus large T antigen-derived peptide antigens presented on MHC class I

Adoptive immunotherapy involving T-cell receptor (TCR) mediated recognition of peptide-MHC complexes and subsequent cytotoxic T-cell activation.