Human herpesvirus 6 antigen-derived peptide–HLA complex (HHV-6 pHLA)

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) antigen-derived peptide–HLA complexes are molecular assemblies found on the surface of cells infected with HHV-6A or HHV-6B. These complexes consist of a viral protein fragment (peptide) bound within the groove of a Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) molecule, typically MHC Class I for recognition by CD8+ T cells (Lusso, 2006, Nature Reviews Microbiology). In the context of therapeutic development, these complexes serve as specific targets for adoptive T-cell therapies and virus-specific T cells (VSTs) aimed at treating opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients, such as hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients (Tzannou et al., 2017, Journal of Clinical Oncology). Recognition of these complexes by T-cell receptors (TCRs) triggers an immune response that leads to the targeted destruction of the infected host cell (Nastke et al., 2012, Journal of Virology). HHV-6 is associated with various clinical manifestations, including roseola infantum, encephalitis, and potential links to autoimmune disorders like multiple sclerosis. Targeting these complexes is a strategy to restore or augment viral immunity without the broad toxicity associated with systemic antiviral drugs (AlloVir, 2023, Corporate Website).

Other names

HHV-6 pMHCHHV-6 peptide-MHC complexHuman herpesvirus 6 antigen-presenting complexHHV-6 antigen-derived peptide–HLA complexes on infected cells

Targeted cell lysis via T-cell receptor (TCR) recognition of viral peptides presented on HLA molecules.