Human leukocyte antigen class I and II molecules presenting adenovirus-derived peptide antigens (HLA-AdV peptide complex)

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I and II molecules presenting adenovirus-derived peptide antigens are the primary immunological targets for the cellular immune response against adenovirus (AdV) infections. These complexes are formed when viral proteins, such as the hexon or penton base, are processed into short peptides and loaded onto HLA molecules within infected cells for presentation on the cell surface (Leen et al., 2004, Blood). CD8+ T cells recognize peptides presented by HLA class I, while CD4+ T cells recognize those presented by HLA class II, leading to the destruction of the infected cell and the secretion of antiviral cytokines (Feuchtinger et al., 2005, British Journal of Haematology). In immunocompromised settings, such as post-hematopoietic stem cell transplant, the absence of these specific T-cell responses can lead to severe, multi-organ adenovirus disease. Therapeutic interventions, such as adoptive cell therapy with virus-specific T cells (VSTs) like posoleucel, specifically target these pMHC complexes to restore immunity and clear the infection (Tzannou et al., 2017, Journal of Clinical Oncology). These therapies rely on the precise matching of HLA alleles between the donor T cells and the patient to ensure effective recognition and minimize the risk of graft-versus-host disease. The hexon protein is particularly significant as it contains highly conserved epitopes across different adenovirus serotypes, making it a frequent source of peptides for these complexes. Successful targeting of these molecules results in the expansion of the VST population in vivo, providing long-term protection against viral reactivation.

Other names

Adenovirus-specific peptide-MHC complexAdV-pMHCHLA-adenovirus antigen complexMHC-adenovirus peptide complex

Recognition of the peptide-MHC complex by the T-cell receptor (TCR) of infused virus-specific T cells, leading to targeted cytotoxicity and cytokine release to eliminate adenovirus-infected cells.