Hepatitis B virus polymerase-derived peptide-MHC complex (HBV Pol pMHC)

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) polymerase-derived peptides presented on MHC molecules represent a critical class of antigens for T-cell-based immunotherapies. Unlike the highly secreted surface antigens (HBsAg), the HBV polymerase is an intracellular enzyme essential for viral replication and is produced in relatively low quantities, which may help it evade the high-dose tolerance often seen with other HBV proteins. These peptides are processed and presented on the surface of infected hepatocytes and HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells via Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I or II molecules. Therapeutic strategies targeting these complexes include T-cell receptor-engineered T-cell (TCR-T) therapies and therapeutic vaccines designed to restore or boost the exhausted HBV-specific T-cell response in chronic patients. By specifically recognizing these pMHC complexes, engineered T cells can selectively eliminate cells harboring the virus or integrated viral DNA, potentially leading to a functional cure for chronic hepatitis B and improved outcomes for HBV-associated liver cancer.

Other names

HBV polymerase epitopesHBV Pol peptidesHLA-restricted HBV polymerase peptidesHBV Pol-MHC complexHepatitis B virus polymerase-derived peptides presented on MHC molecules

T-cell receptor (TCR) binding to the peptide-MHC complex on the surface of infected or malignant cells, triggering T-cell activation and subsequent cytolytic killing of the target cell.