Human leukocyte antigen A*24:02–Cytomegalovirus phosphoprotein 65 epitope peptide complex (HLA-A*24:02–CMV pp65 complex)

The HLA-A*24:02–CMV pp65 epitope peptide complex is a molecular assembly consisting of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecule A*24:02 and a specific immunodominant peptide derived from the Cytomegalovirus (CMV) 65 kDa phosphoprotein (pp65) (Source: UniProt P06725, P01892). This complex is expressed on the surface of CMV-infected cells, where it serves as a critical recognition element for the adaptive immune system (Source: PubMed 12117466). Specifically, it is recognized by the T-cell receptors (TCRs) of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes, which are essential for controlling CMV infection and preventing viral reactivation in immunocompromised individuals, such as transplant recipients (Source: PubMed 11748283). HLA-A*24:02 is one of the most prevalent HLA alleles in East Asian populations, making this specific complex a high-priority target for precision immunotherapy and vaccine design (Source: PubMed 15654915). Therapeutic strategies targeting this complex include the development of TCR-engineered T cells (TCR-T) and peptide-based vaccines designed to enhance the cellular immune response against CMV (Source: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02388828). In clinical settings, targeting this complex helps mitigate the risks of CMV-related morbidity and mortality by restoring or augmenting viral-specific immunity. Understanding the structural and binding characteristics of this MHC-peptide complex is vital for ensuring the specificity and safety of TCR-based interventions to avoid off-target effects.

Other names

HLA-A*24:02-pp65MHC-peptide complex HLA-A*24:02/CMV-pp65HLA-A24-restricted CMV pp65 epitopepMHC HLA-A*24:02/QYDPVAALF

The complex acts as a specific ligand for T-cell receptors (TCRs) found on CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes; binding of the TCR to this pMHC complex triggers T-cell activation, proliferation, and the release of cytotoxic granules (perforin/granzyme) to lyse CMV-infected cells (Source: PubMed 11748283).