Hepatitis B virus antigen peptide–Major Histocompatibility Complex class I complex (HBV-pMHC-I)

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) antigen peptide–Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I complexes are molecular assemblies presented on the surface of hepatocytes infected with HBV. These complexes consist of short viral peptides, derived from proteins such as the HBV core (HBcAg), surface (HBsAg), or polymerase, bound within the groove of MHC class I molecules, most commonly HLA-A*02:01 (PubMed: 33613465). Their primary biological function is to signal the presence of intracellular viral infection to CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), which recognize the complex via their T-cell receptors (TCRs) (PubMed: 31515258). In chronic HBV infection, the endogenous T-cell response is typically exhausted or deleted, leading to viral persistence and potential progression to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (PubMed: 28232568). Therapeutic strategies targeting these complexes include TCR-engineered T cells (TCR-T) and bispecific T-cell engagers, which are designed to bypass natural immune exhaustion and selectively eliminate infected or malignant cells (Immunocore; SCG Cell Therapy). By specifically recognizing these viral signatures, these therapies aim to achieve a functional cure for chronic hepatitis B or provide targeted treatment for HBV-related HCC (PubMed: 34161723).

Other names

HBV peptide-HLA complexHBV-pMHCHepatitis B virus peptide-MHC class I complexHBV-specific pMHCHBV-HLA-A2 complex

Recognition by engineered T-cell receptors (TCRs) or bispecific T-cell engagers to induce cytotoxic T lymphocyte-mediated lysis of HBV-infected or HBV-integrated hepatocytes.