SARS-CoV-2 membrane protein-derived peptides presented on MHC (SARS-CoV-2 M-pMHC)

The SARS-CoV-2 membrane (M) protein is a key structural component of the virus, essential for viral assembly and budding from the host cell membrane (UniProt: P0DTC5). Peptides derived from the M protein are generated through proteasomal degradation and presented on the surface of infected cells by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules, also known as Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) in humans (PubMed: 32887270). These peptide-MHC (pMHC) complexes are recognized by the T-cell receptors (TCRs) of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and CD4+ helper T cells, triggering a robust cellular immune response (PubMed: 33055253). Unlike the Spike protein, the M protein is highly conserved across SARS-CoV-2 variants, making its MHC-presented peptides ideal targets for developing universal vaccines and TCR-based immunotherapies (PubMed: 34103407). Targeting these complexes aims to provide long-lasting immunity and protection against severe disease by eliminating infected cells directly and coordinating the broader immune response.

Other names

SARS-CoV-2 M protein epitopesSARS-CoV-2 membrane glycoprotein peptidesM-peptide-HLA complexesSARS-CoV-2 M-pMHCSARS-CoV-2 membrane protein antigen

Induction of cellular immunity through the recognition of viral peptide-MHC complexes by T-cell receptors (TCRs), leading to the destruction of infected cells and cytokine production.