Cytomegalovirus phosphoprotein 65 (pp65) peptide-HLA-A*24:02 complex (CMV pp65/HLA-A*24:02)

The Cytomegalovirus phosphoprotein 65 (pp65) peptide-HLA-A*24:02 complex is a primary immunological target for the treatment of Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients such as those undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (PMID: 15613318). The pp65 protein, encoded by the UL83 gene, is a major structural component of the CMV tegument and serves as the dominant antigen for inducing a robust CD8+ T-cell response (UniProt: P06725). In individuals carrying the HLA-A*24:02 allele—which is highly prevalent in East Asian populations—specific immunodominant peptides like QYDPVAALF are processed and presented on the cell surface (PMID: 11830485). This peptide-MHC complex is specifically recognized by T-cell receptors (TCRs), which triggers the activation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes to eliminate infected cells. Therapeutic strategies targeting this complex include the adoptive transfer of CMV-specific T cells and the development of TCR-engineered T-cell (TCR-T) therapies like TBI-1501 (Takara Bio). These interventions aim to restore viral immunity and prevent CMV-related complications such as pneumonia, colitis, and retinitis. Monitoring the presence of the HLA-A*24:02 allele and the patient's viral load are critical steps in identifying candidates for these targeted therapies.

Other names

CMV pp65 A*24:02UL83 peptide-HLA-A*24:02pp65-A24 complexQYDPVAALF-HLA-A*24:02CMV pp65(341-349)-HLA-A*24:02

Recognition of the specific viral peptide-MHC complex by the T-cell receptor (TCR) of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes, leading to the activation of cytotoxic pathways (perforin/granzyme) and the elimination of CMV-infected cells (PMID: 11830485).