Cytomegalovirus antigen presented on HLA class I molecule

Cytomegalovirus antigens presented on HLA class I molecules refer to short peptide fragments derived from cytomegalovirus (HCMV) proteins, which are loaded and displayed by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules (HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, etc.) on the surface of infected human cells[2][6]. These complexes can be recognized by cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes, which upon engagement, trigger the destruction of the infected cell—a crucial mechanism for controlling HCMV infection. HCMV, however, has evolved multiple glycoproteins (e.g., US2, US3, US6, US10, US11) that interfere with HLA class I presentation to evade immune detection[1][3][4][6]. The antigen-HLA class I presentation system is a fundamental immune target but is not itself a single molecular entity; it represents a transient, cell-surface complex critical in viral immunology[2][6]. Important clarification: This entry does not refer to a single protein or receptor, but rather to a transient peptide–MHC complex. For structured databases, it is preferable to track "HLA class I molecule" (or specific allotypes such as HLA-A*02:01) as the canonical target, and annotate "cytomegalovirus antigen" (peptide source) where relevant.

Other names

HCMV antigen presented by HLA class IHuman cytomegalovirus peptide–HLA class I complexHCMV-derived MHC class I ligandCMV peptide/HLA class I complex

Induction of cytotoxic CD8+ T cell response (HLA class I–presented viral antigens are recognized by cytotoxic T lymphocytes, triggering killing of infected cells)[2][6] Evasion/inhibition by viral immunoevasins (HCMV encodes US2, US3, US6, US10, US11 etc. to block MHC class I–mediated antigen presentation)[1][3][4][6]