Major histocompatibility complex class I – CD8+ T cell receptor complex recognizing HBV core and polymerase peptides (HBV Core/Pol TCR-pMHC Complex)

The Major histocompatibility complex class I – CD8+ T cell receptor complex recognizing HBV core and polymerase peptides is a molecular assembly formed on the surface of hepatocytes infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) or HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. This complex consists of a human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecule, most commonly HLA-A*02:01, presenting specific immunodominant peptides derived from the HBV core (e.g., HBc18-27) or polymerase (e.g., Pol455-463) proteins. These peptide-MHC (pMHC) complexes are the primary targets for recognition by the T-cell receptors (TCRs) of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes, which trigger an immune response including the release of antiviral cytokines and direct cell lysis. In patients with chronic hepatitis B, the endogenous T-cell response against these complexes is often severely impaired or exhausted, allowing the virus to persist and potentially lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer. Therapeutic strategies targeting this complex, such as TCR-engineered T-cell (TCR-T) therapies and bispecific TCR molecules (e.g., ImmTAVs), aim to restore or redirect the immune system to eliminate infected and malignant cells. Clinical development of these therapies has shown promise in reducing viral markers and inducing tumor regression, though challenges such as transient hepatotoxicity and cytokine release syndrome must be managed.

Other names

HBV Core/Pol TCR-pMHC ComplexHLA-A*02:01-HBV peptide complexHBV-specific TCR-pMHCHLA-A*02:01-restricted HBV Core/Polymerase complexHBV Core 18-27 TCR-pMHCHBV Polymerase 455-463 TCR-pMHC

T cell redirection and activation through specific recognition of HBV-derived peptides presented by MHC class I molecules, leading to the lysis of infected or malignant cells and the release of antiviral cytokines.