Cytomegalovirus peptide–HLA class I complex (CMV pHLA-I)

The Cytomegalovirus (CMV) peptide–HLA class I complex is a molecular assembly on the surface of infected cells that presents viral antigens to the immune system. It consists of a viral peptide, typically derived from immunodominant proteins like pp65 or IE1, bound to a Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) class I molecule [1.4.1]. This complex is the primary target for CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes, which recognize it via their T-cell receptors (TCRs) to initiate an antiviral response [1.1.3]. In immunocompromised patients, such as those undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, the failure of this recognition leads to CMV reactivation and significant morbidity [1.3.2]. Therapeutic strategies targeting these complexes include adoptive T-cell therapies, TCR-engineered T cells (TCR-T), and TCR-like antibodies, which aim to restore or redirect the immune response to eliminate infected cells [1.3.3, 1.3.4]. These therapies are highly specific to the patient's HLA type and the viral epitope, requiring precise diagnostic monitoring of viral load and HLA status [1.4.2].

Other names

CMV pMHC-I complexHCMV peptide-HLA complexCMV peptide-MHC class I complexHuman cytomegalovirus peptide-HLA class I complex

Therapeutic agents targeting this complex, such as TCR-T cells or TCR-like antibodies, bind to the viral peptide presented by HLA class I molecules. This binding triggers the activation of cytotoxic T cells, leading to the release of granzymes and perforin, which results in the selective lysis of CMV-infected cells [1.3.3, 1.3.4].