Cytomegalovirus pp65 peptide–HLA class I complex

The Cytomegalovirus pp65 peptide–HLA class I complex is formed when a peptide derived from the pp65 protein of human cytomegalovirus is presented by the peptide-binding groove of an HLA class I molecule (such as HLA-A*02:01, HLA-B, or HLA-C alleles) on the infected cell surface. This complex is recognized by CD8+ T cells and is a dominant target for adaptive immune surveillance and cytotoxic T cell responses during CMV infection. The peptide–HLA I presentation is central to the detection and control of CMV, and monitoring these complexes and the responding T cells is used in clinical settings, especially after organ transplantation for predicting and managing CMV disease[1][2][5][6].

Other names

pp65–HLA class I complexpp65 peptide–MHC I complexHCMV pp65 antigen in HLA class I context

Presentation of viral peptide to CD8+ T cells, leading to cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL)-mediated killing of infected cells[5][1][2][4]