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

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) antigen-derived peptide-Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complexes are molecular assemblies consisting of viral protein fragments presented on the surface of host cells by HLA molecules. These complexes are the primary targets for T-cell-mediated immunity, where specific T-cell receptors (TCRs) recognize the combination of the viral peptide and the host HLA to initiate an immune response [PubMed: 31439678]. HHV-6, which includes variants A and B, is a widespread beta-herpesvirus that establishes latency and can reactivate in immunocompromised patients, leading to severe conditions such as encephalitis, myocarditis, and transplant rejection [PubMed: 25535215]. In therapeutic development, these complexes are targeted by adoptive T-cell therapies, such as posoleucel, which utilize donor-derived T cells to restore viral control in patients post-transplant [AlloVir, 2023]. The effectiveness of these therapies depends on the precise matching of the HLA allele and the viral epitope, such as those derived from the U54 or U90 proteins [PubMed: 24109115]. Monitoring these complexes and the corresponding T-cell response is essential for managing viral reactivation and ensuring the safety of cellular immunotherapies. Potential risks include off-target toxicity if the TCR recognizes similar self-peptides presented by the same HLA molecules.

Other names

HHV-6 pMHCHHV-6 peptide-MHC complexHHV-6 antigen-HLA complexHHV-6 epitope-HLA complex

Recognition of the peptide-HLA complex by the T-cell receptor (TCR) of therapeutic or endogenous T cells, triggering cytotoxic activity and cytokine release to eliminate infected cells [PubMed: 24109115].