Human leukocyte antigen-presented Cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus peptide-epitopes (HLA-CMV/EBV peptide complex)

HLA-presented CMV and EBV peptide epitopes are molecular complexes formed by the binding of viral protein fragments to Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) molecules on the surface of infected cells. These complexes serve as the primary signal for the adaptive immune system, specifically CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes, to identify and eliminate cells harboring Cytomegalovirus (CMV) or Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) (Nature Reviews Immunology, 2020). In immunocompromised patients, such as those undergoing hematopoietic stem cell or solid organ transplantation, the natural immune response may fail, leading to life-threatening viral reactivation or associated malignancies like post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) (Blood, 2017). Therapeutic strategies targeting these epitopes include adoptive T-cell therapies, where virus-specific T cells (VSTs) are infused to restore immunity, such as Tabelecleucel (Ebvallo) for EBV-associated diseases (EMA, 2022). Other approaches include TCR-like antibodies or bispecific engagers designed to recognize the specific peptide-MHC geometry with high affinity (Frontiers in Immunology, 2021). By focusing on these highly specific viral markers, treatments aim to provide precise antiviral activity while minimizing damage to healthy, uninfected tissues.

Other names

pHLA complexesMHC-peptide complexesViral peptide-HLA complexesCMV/EBV-specific antigenspMHC

Recognition of the peptide-MHC complex by the T-cell receptor (TCR) of adoptive or endogenous T cells, leading to targeted lysis of the infected cell.