Cytomegalovirus phosphoprotein 65 (495-503) peptide presented by HLA-A*02:01 (CMV pp65 (495-503)/HLA-A*02:01)

The CMV pp65 (495-503) peptide presented by HLA-A*02:01 is a major immunodominant epitope derived from the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) 65 kDa phosphoprotein, also known as UL83. This specific peptide sequence, NLVPMVATV, is processed and presented on the surface of infected cells by the MHC class I molecule HLA-A*02:01, where it serves as a primary signal for recognition by CD8+ cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs). In healthy individuals, this complex is central to maintaining viral latency through robust T-cell surveillance. However, in immunocompromised patients, such as those undergoing hematopoietic stem cell or solid organ transplantation, the failure of this immune recognition can lead to life-threatening CMV reactivation and disease. Consequently, this peptide-MHC complex is a critical target for the development of immunotherapies, including adoptive T-cell transfers, TCR-engineered T-cells (TCR-T), and peptide-based vaccines designed to restore or enhance CMV-specific immunity. Therapeutic strategies often focus on expanding or engineering T-cells that specifically bind this complex to eliminate CMV-infected cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.

Other names

NLVPMVATV peptideCMV pp65 A2 peptidepp65(495-503)HLA-A*02:01-restricted CMV pp65 peptideUL83(495-503) peptideCMV pp65-A2 complex

Recognition by specific T-cell receptors (TCRs) on CD8+ cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, leading to the targeted lysis of CMV-infected cells and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha.