Cytomegalovirus phosphoprotein 65 (pp65) epitopes presented on HLA-A*24:02 (CMV pp65/HLA-A*24:02)

The target refers to the complex formed by Cytomegalovirus (CMV) phosphoprotein 65 (pp65) derived peptides and the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) class I molecule A*24:02. CMV pp65, encoded by the UL83 gene, is the primary tegument protein of the virus and serves as the immunodominant target for cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs) in humans (UniProt: P06725). In patients with the HLA-A*24:02 allele, which is highly prevalent in East Asian populations (PubMed: 15140014), specific epitopes such as the nonamer QYDPVAALF (residues 341–349) are processed and presented on the surface of infected cells (PubMed: 12117465). This peptide-MHC (pMHC) complex is a focal point for developing immunotherapies, including adoptive T-cell transfers and peptide vaccines like Triplex, particularly for transplant recipients at risk of CMV reactivation (PubMed: 25609777). Effective targeting of this complex allows for the precise elimination of CMV-infected cells, though therapeutic success depends on the patient's HLA type and the presence of functional T-cell populations. Safety considerations include potential graft-versus-host disease in allogeneic settings and the risk of viral immune escape through HLA downregulation.

Other names

HLA-A*24:02-restricted CMV pp65 antigenCMV UL83 peptide-HLA-A*24:02 complexQYDPVAALF-HLA-A*24:02 complexCMV pp65 A24 epitope

Recognition of the peptide-HLA complex by the T-cell receptor (TCR) of CD8+ T cells, leading to the activation of cytotoxic pathways and lysis of the target cell.