BK polyomavirus VP1 capsid protein-derived peptide-MHC complex (BKV VP1-pMHC) (BKV VP1-pMHC)

The BK polyomavirus (BKV) VP1 capsid protein-derived peptide-MHC complex is a critical immunological target found on the surface of cells infected with BKV (PMID: 28811016). BKV is a double-stranded DNA virus that remains latent in the urinary tract of most healthy individuals but can reactivate under immunosuppression, leading to conditions such as BKV-associated nephropathy (BKVAN) in kidney transplant recipients and hemorrhagic cystitis in hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients (PMID: 30135640). The VP1 protein (UniProt: P03088) is the primary structural component of the viral capsid and contains several immunodominant epitopes. These epitopes are processed intracellularly and presented by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules to the immune system. Therapeutic strategies targeting these complexes involve the use of BKV-specific T-cells (VSTs) or T-cell receptor (TCR) engineered cells that recognize the specific peptide-MHC configuration, triggering a targeted cytotoxic response against the infected cells (PMID: 34153211). This precision approach aims to clear the viral infection without the systemic toxicity associated with traditional antiviral drugs.

Other names

BK polyomavirus VP1 capsid protein–derived peptide–MHC complexes on infected cellsBKV VP1 peptide-HLA complexBK virus VP1 antigen-MHC complexBKV VP1-pMHC

Recognition of the specific viral peptide presented on MHC by T-cell receptors (TCRs), leading to the activation of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes and subsequent apoptosis of the infected host cell.