Cytomegalovirus peptide-HLA class I complex (CMV pMHC-I)

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) peptide antigens presented on HLA class I molecules are the primary targets for the adaptive cellular immune system to identify and eliminate CMV-infected cells [PubMed: 23478230]. These complexes consist of viral protein fragments, most notably from the pp65 and IE1 proteins, bound to the groove of HLA class I molecules on the cell surface [UniProt: P06725]. The presentation of these peptides is essential for the activation and effector function of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes [PubMed: 15905523]. In immunocompromised individuals, such as transplant recipients, the failure of this immune recognition leads to severe CMV disease and organ damage [PubMed: 31112476]. Therapeutic interventions like adoptive T-cell therapy utilize these complexes as docking sites for infused CMV-specific T cells to restore viral control [ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04354311]. Additionally, vaccines are being developed to prime the immune system to recognize these specific peptide-HLA signatures [PubMed: 28257320]. The specificity of this interaction is highly dependent on the patient's HLA genotype, making HLA matching a critical component of therapy [PubMed: 23478230]. Modern drug development also explores TCR-engineered T cells that provide high-affinity recognition of these viral targets [PubMed: 31112476].

Other names

CMV peptide-MHC complexCMV-specific HLA-peptide complexCMV pMHCCytomegalovirus antigen-HLA complexCMV pp65/IE1 peptide-HLA complex

Recognition of the peptide-HLA complex by specific T-cell receptors (TCRs) on CD8+ T cells, leading to the activation of cytotoxic pathways and lysis of the infected cell [PubMed: 28257320].