Chikungunya virus structural polyprotein epitopes presented by HLA-B7 (CHIKV-HLA-B7)

The Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) structural polyprotein epitopes presented by HLA-B7 are specific peptide fragments derived from the viral capsid and envelope proteins that are displayed on the surface of infected cells by the Human Leukocyte Antigen B7 (HLA-B7) molecule (PMID: 25609814). The structural polyprotein is a large precursor protein that is cleaved into the C, E3, E2, 6K, and E1 proteins, which are essential for the formation of the viral particle and its entry into host cells (UniProt: P08491). HLA-B7, particularly the B*07:02 allele, is one of the most common MHC class I molecules and plays a significant role in the cellular immune response to CHIKV by presenting these epitopes to CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). Recognition of the CHIKV-HLA-B7 complex by CTLs triggers the release of perforins and granzymes, leading to the apoptosis of the infected cell and the control of viral spread. This interaction is a primary target for the development of T-cell-based vaccines and immunotherapies aimed at providing broad protection against Chikungunya fever and its debilitating chronic joint pain. However, the effectiveness of such therapies is limited by HLA restriction, as they are only applicable to individuals carrying the HLA-B7 allele. Additionally, there is a potential for the virus to undergo mutational escape within these epitope regions, which can diminish the efficacy of the immune response over time.

Other names

CHIKV structural polyprotein-HLA-B*07:02 complexChikungunya virus MHC class I epitopesCHIKV structural protein epitopesCHIKV E2-68 epitope

Induction of CD8+ T-cell mediated immunity through the recognition of viral epitopes presented by HLA-B7 molecules, leading to the destruction of infected cells.