Human leukocyte antigen class I and class II peptide-binding grooves presenting HBV PreS2 and core epitopes (HLA-HBV complex)

The target refers to the molecular complexes formed by Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) Class I and Class II molecules when they present specific antigenic peptides (epitopes) derived from the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) PreS2 and Core proteins. These complexes are located within the peptide-binding grooves of HLA molecules and are displayed on the surface of HBV-infected hepatocytes and professional antigen-presenting cells. Recognition of these complexes by the T-cell receptors (TCRs) of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and CD4+ helper T cells is a fundamental component of the adaptive immune response required to clear HBV infection. In chronic hepatitis B (CHB), the host's T-cell response is typically exhausted or insufficient, leading to viral persistence. Therapeutic interventions, such as the peptide-based vaccine HepTcell and various TCR-engineered T-cell therapies, are designed to target these specific HLA-peptide combinations to restore or enhance the immune system's ability to identify and destroy infected cells. These therapies often focus on highly conserved epitopes to ensure broad efficacy across different HBV genotypes and diverse patient HLA profiles, with the ultimate goal of achieving a functional cure for the infection.

Other names

MHC-HBV peptide complexHLA-HBV epitope complexHBV PreS2/Core-HLA complexHBV-specific HLA-peptide complexHuman leukocyte antigen-HBV antigen complex

T-cell receptor (TCR) binding and activation of HBV-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells to eliminate infected hepatocytes