Cytomegalovirus pp65 antigen-specific T cell (null)

Cytomegalovirus pp65 antigen-specific T cells are a subset of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes that recognize and respond to peptides derived from the pp65 (UL83) protein, the major structural protein in the viral tegument of HCMV. pp65 is involved in immune evasion and is highly immunogenic, making it the principal target for T cell-mediated immunity against CMV infection. These T cells clear infected cells through cytotoxic mechanisms and are critical for controlling viral replication and preventing CMV disease, especially in immunocompromised individuals (e.g., transplant recipients). Measurement of their frequency and function is important for clinical monitoring, and they are exploited in cellular immunotherapies and as biomarkers of antiviral immune competence. However, potential cross-reactivity of pp65-derived epitopes can theoretically contribute to autoimmune conditions via molecular mimicry.

Other names

CMV pp65-specific T cellHCMV pp65-specific T cellpp65 antigen-reactive T cell

Direct cytolytic killing of HCMV-infected cells via recognition of pp65 peptides presented on HLA class I/II molecules; Secretion of antiviral cytokines (e.g., IFN-γ, TNF-α, perforin)