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

The Cytomegalovirus (CMV) peptide–Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) class I complex is a molecular assembly presented on the surface of cells infected with CMV. It consists of a viral-derived peptide, typically from immunodominant proteins like pp65 or IE1, bound within the groove of an HLA class I molecule, such as HLA-A*02:01 [PMID: 15141017]. This complex serves as the primary signal for recognition by CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) via their T-cell receptors (TCRs) [PMID: 11160242]. In healthy individuals, these complexes facilitate the immune system's ability to maintain CMV in a latent state through constant surveillance. However, in immunocompromised patients, such as hematopoietic stem cell or solid organ transplant recipients, the failure of this recognition leads to viral reactivation and severe clinical manifestations like pneumonia or retinitis [PMID: 28814478]. Therapeutic strategies targeting these complexes include the adoptive transfer of CMV-specific T cells (VSTs), such as Posoleucel, and the development of TCR-like antibodies or CAR-T cells designed to bind the specific peptide-MHC configuration [PMID: 34161617, PMID: 31435312]. These interventions aim to restore or enhance the cellular immune response to selectively clear infected cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.

Other names

CMV pMHCCMV-specific peptide-MHC complexCMV-HLA complexCMV peptide-MHC class I

Recognition by T-cell receptors (TCRs) or TCR-like molecules, triggering cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) mediated lysis and cytokine release to eliminate infected host cells.