Human cytomegalovirus Immediate-early protein 1 peptide-Major histocompatibility complex (HCMV IE-1 pMHC)

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) Immediate-early protein 1 (IE-1) peptide-Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) complexes are essential molecular targets for the host's adaptive immune system during HCMV infection (UniProt: P13202). The IE-1 protein is a primary regulatory factor expressed immediately upon viral entry, making it an early marker of infection. Peptides from IE-1, such as the immunodominant VLEETSVML sequence, are presented by MHC Class I molecules on the surface of infected cells (PubMed: 12163490). These complexes are recognized by the T-cell receptors (TCRs) of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes, which then execute the killing of the virus-harboring cells. Because IE-1 is crucial for viral replication and is expressed early, these pMHC complexes are prime targets for immunotherapy, including adoptive T-cell transfer and TCR-engineered T-cell therapies (PubMed: 25605930). Such treatments are particularly relevant for immunocompromised individuals, like hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients, where HCMV reactivation can be life-threatening (NIH: ClinicalTrials.gov). The specificity of the TCR for the IE-1 peptide-MHC complex is the cornerstone of these therapeutic approaches, aiming to provide long-term viral control without the toxicities associated with traditional antiviral drugs.

Other names

CMV IE1 peptide-HLA complexIE1 antigen-MHC complexHCMV IE1-derived pMHCImmediate-early protein 1 peptide-MHCHuman cytomegalovirus IE-1–derived peptide–MHC complexes

Recognition by specific T-cell receptors (TCRs) on CD8+ T cells, leading to the activation of cytotoxic pathways and lysis of HCMV-infected cells.