Cytomegalovirus Antigens Presented by HLA Class I Molecules (CMV-HLA-I)

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) antigens presented by HLA class I molecules refer to viral peptide fragments derived from CMV proteins that are processed within infected cells and displayed on the cell surface bound to human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules. This presentation is crucial for immune surveillance, enabling cytotoxic CD8+ T cells to recognize and eliminate CMV-infected cells. The magnitude of this CTL response correlates directly with how effectively viral antigens are presented on MHC-I molecules. Effective presentation is critical for controlling infection after events like hematopoietic cell transplantation. Human cytomegalovirus encodes several immune evasion proteins that interfere with antigen processing or presentation pathways, modulating HLA-I function or expression as an evasion strategy. CMV-specific CTL responses mediated via MHC-I/peptide complexes play a pivotal role in controlling viral replication—especially important in immunocompromised individuals such as transplant recipients. Failure of effective antigen presentation can lead to unchecked viral proliferation and disease progression.

Other names

CMV peptides presented on MHC-IHLA Class I-restricted CMV epitopesCMV antigens-HLA class I complex

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