HLA-A*02:01–SLYNTVATL peptide–HLA class I complex (HLA-A*02:01-SLYNTVATL)

The HLA-A*02:01–SLYNTVATL peptide–HLA class I complex is a specific peptide-major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) consisting of the HLA-A*02:01 heavy chain, beta-2 microglobulin, and a 9-amino acid epitope (SLYNTVATL) derived from the HIV-1 Gag p17 protein [PMID: 10508250]. This complex is a primary target for the cellular immune response against HIV-1 in HLA-A*02:01-positive individuals, as it is recognized by specific CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) [PMID: 15141001]. The SLYNTVATL epitope, often referred to as SL9, is considered immunodominant, meaning it frequently triggers a robust immune response during the early stages of infection [PMID: 11752703]. In the field of immunotherapy, this pMHC is targeted by engineered T-cell receptors (TCRs) and TCR-like antibodies designed to selectively eliminate HIV-infected cells [PMID: 23536630]. However, the virus can develop escape mutations within this epitope sequence that impair TCR binding, presenting a significant challenge for long-term therapeutic efficacy [PMID: 25154368]. Advanced strategies like ImmTAVs (Immune mobilizing monoclonal TCRs against Virus) are currently being explored to overcome these challenges and enhance viral clearance [PMID: 25154368].

Other names

HLA-A*02:01-Gag(77-85) complexA2-SL9 pMHCHLA-A2-SLYNTVATLMHC Class I-HIV Gag p17 complexMajor histocompatibility complex, class I, A*0201-SLYNTVATL

The complex acts as a ligand for specific T-cell receptors (TCRs) on CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes; binding triggers the immunological synapse, leading to the release of perforin and granzymes that induce apoptosis in the HIV-infected cell.