Cytomegalovirus peptide–Human Leukocyte Antigen class I complex (CMV peptide–HLA class I complex)

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) peptide–HLA class I complexes are molecular assemblies found on the surface of CMV-infected cells, consisting of a viral-derived peptide (typically from proteins like pp65 or IE1) non-covalently bound to a Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) class I molecule. These complexes serve as the essential ligand for the T-cell receptors (TCRs) of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes, which are responsible for identifying and eliminating virally infected cells. In healthy individuals, these complexes facilitate a lifelong immune equilibrium that keeps CMV in a latent state; however, in immunocompromised patients, such as transplant recipients or those with HIV/AIDS, the absence of effective recognition of these complexes leads to viral reactivation and life-threatening organ disease. Therapeutic interventions increasingly focus on these complexes through the use of adoptive T-cell therapies and TCR-engineered cells that specifically target CMV-infected cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. Understanding the diversity of HLA alleles and the specific immunodominant peptides they present is critical for the development of universal and patient-specific immunotherapies.

Other names

CMV pMHC class ICytomegalovirus antigen-MHC complexCMV peptide-MHC complexHLA-CMV peptide complex

T-cell receptor (TCR) recognition and binding, Induction of T-cell mediated apoptosis of infected cells, Adoptive immunotherapy