Merkel cell polyomavirus peptide-HLA-A*02:01 complex

The Merkel cell polyomavirus peptide-HLA-A*02:01 complex represents a molecular mechanism by which MCPyV-derived peptides, commonly from viral proteins such as T antigen, are processed and presented on the surface of cancer cells by the HLA-A*02:01 molecule, a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I allele. Recognition of this complex by CD8^+ T cells facilitates immune-mediated clearance of virus-infected or malignant cells and forms the basis for T-cell based cancer immunotherapies including adoptive cell transfer and personalized vaccines. This peptide-MHC complex serves both as a therapeutic target and a biomarker for MCC immunogenicity and response to immunotherapy.

Other names

MCPyV peptide-HLA-A*02:01 complexMCPyV T antigen-HLA-A*02:01 complexHLA-A*02:01/MCPyV peptide complex

Engagement of antigen-specific T-cell receptors on cytotoxic T cells by the MCPyV peptide-HLA-A*02:01 complex, leading to T-cell activation, immune-mediated tumor cell killing, and immunomodulation. Cancer vaccine approaches aim to increase frequency or diversity of MCPyV-specific T cells via presentation of this complex.