CMV peptide–HLA class I complex

The CMV peptide–HLA class I complex is formed when peptides derived from cytomegalovirus are loaded onto an HLA class I molecule and presented at the cell surface. This complex is central to immune recognition—specifically, cytotoxic CD8+ T cells scan for viral peptides presented by HLA class I to identify and eliminate infected cells. The CMV has evolved several proteins (such as US2, US3, US6, US11, and others) that interfere with the assembly, transport, or presentation of these complexes, thereby evading immune surveillance. The specificity of the immune response is determined by the combination of the CMV peptide and the presenting HLA allele. These complexes are key targets for diagnostic, monitoring, and therapeutic strategies in the context of CMV infection and reactivation, especially in immunocompromised patients.

Other names

HLA class I–CMV peptide complexCMV antigen–HLA class I complexCMV epitope–MHC class I complexMHC class I–CMV peptide presentation

Drugs or therapies (e.g., T-cell therapies) act by recognizing the CMV peptide presented by HLA class I on infected cells and inducing immune-mediated killing. Modulators (viral proteins such as US2, US3, US6, and US11) disrupt the formation and presentation of this complex to evade immune detection.