Cytomegalovirus 65 kDa phosphoprotein peptide–Human leukocyte antigen class I complex (CMV pp65–HLA-I complex)

The Cytomegalovirus (CMV) 65 kDa phosphoprotein (pp65) peptide–Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I complex is a pivotal immunological assembly used by the immune system to identify and eliminate CMV-infected cells. The pp65 protein, encoded by the UL83 gene, is the most abundant tegument protein of CMV and is highly immunogenic, making it a dominant target for CD8+ T-cell responses [UniProt: P06725]. During the viral life cycle, pp65 is degraded into peptides that are presented on the cell surface by HLA class I molecules, most notably the HLA-A*02:01 allele presenting the NLVPMVATV peptide [PMID: 10833276]. Recognition of these complexes by specific T-cell receptors (TCRs) triggers the release of perforin and granzymes, leading to the apoptosis of the target cell [PMID: 25344738]. This target is extensively utilized in the development of adoptive T-cell therapies and vaccines aimed at restoring CMV-specific immunity in immunocompromised transplant recipients [PMID: 30242098]. Additionally, the expression of pp65 in certain malignancies, such as glioblastoma multiforme, has led to its investigation as a target for tumor-specific immunotherapy [PMID: 25114264].

Other names

CMV pp65-MHC class I complexUL83 peptide-HLA complexpp65-HLA-A*02:01 complexCytomegalovirus pp65 antigen-HLA complexpp65-HLA-A2 complex

Recognition of the peptide-HLA complex by specific T-cell receptors (TCRs) on CD8+ T cells, triggering cytotoxic activity and cytokine release to eliminate infected or antigen-expressing cells.