Cytomegalovirus phosphoprotein 65 (pp65) peptide–HLA class I complex (CMV pp65–HLA-I)

The Cytomegalovirus (CMV) phosphoprotein 65 (pp65) peptide–HLA class I complex is a primary immunological target for the detection and elimination of CMV-infected cells and certain tumors. pp65, also known as UL83, is the most abundant tegument protein of CMV and is highly immunogenic, serving as the dominant target for the host's CD8+ T-cell response (PMID: 15507653). During viral replication or in certain malignancies like glioblastoma, pp65 is processed into short peptides that are presented on the cell surface by HLA class I molecules (PMID: 25609431, 25056354). These complexes are specifically recognized by the T-cell receptors (TCRs) of cytotoxic T lymphocytes, which then mediate the destruction of the target cell. Therapeutic strategies targeting this complex include the adoptive transfer of CMV-specific T cells and the development of TCR-engineered T cells, often focused on common epitopes like the HLA-A*02:01-restricted NLVPMVATV peptide (PMID: 10449490). This target is essential for managing CMV reactivation in immunocompromised patients and is an active area of research for cancer immunotherapy.

Other names

CMV pp65-MHC class I complexUL83 peptide-HLA complexpp65-HLA-A*02:01 complexCMV pp65 antigenNLVPMVATV-HLA-A*02:01 complex

Recognition by specific T-cell receptors (TCRs) on CD8+ T cells, which triggers the release of cytotoxic granules (perforin and granzymes) and induces apoptosis in the target cell.