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

The Cytomegalovirus (CMV) peptide–Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) complex is a molecular assembly found on the surface of cells infected with CMV. It consists of a viral protein fragment (peptide), typically derived from immunodominant proteins like pp65 or IE1, bound within the groove of an HLA molecule. This complex serves as the primary signal for the adaptive immune system, specifically allowing CD8+ cytotoxic T-lymphocytes to identify and eliminate virally infected cells through T-cell receptor (TCR) recognition. In clinical settings, these complexes are critical targets for adoptive T-cell therapies and TCR-engineered cells, particularly in immunocompromised patients such as hematopoietic stem cell or solid organ transplant recipients who face life-threatening CMV reactivation. Therapeutic strategies focus on using donor-derived or off-the-shelf CMV-specific T-cells that bind these complexes to restore viral immunity and control infection without the toxicities associated with traditional antiviral drugs.

Other names

CMV pMHCCMV peptide-MHC complexCytomegalovirus antigen-HLA complexCMV-specific peptide-HLA complex

Recognition by T-cell receptors (TCRs) on cytotoxic T-lymphocytes leading to targeted lysis of infected cells and cytokine release.