T-cell receptor recognizing Cytomegalovirus 65 kDa phosphoprotein-derived peptides (TCR-CMV-pp65) (TCR-CMV-pp65)

T-cell receptors (TCRs) recognizing Cytomegalovirus (CMV) 65 kDa phosphoprotein (pp65) are essential for controlling CMV infection and maintaining viral latency [1]. The pp65 protein is a major structural component of the CMV tegument and serves as the primary target for the host's cellular immune response [1, 2]. These TCRs recognize pp65-derived peptides, such as the immunodominant NLVPMVATV epitope, when presented by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) Class I or Class II molecules on the surface of infected cells [3, 4]. In clinical settings, particularly following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) or solid organ transplantation, the loss of these specific T-cell populations can lead to CMV reactivation and severe organ damage [2, 5]. Therapeutic interventions often utilize adoptive T-cell therapy, where donor-derived or engineered T cells expressing these TCRs are transferred to the patient to re-establish viral control [3, 6]. These therapies leverage the high specificity of the TCR for viral antigens to minimize off-target effects while providing robust antiviral activity through direct cytotoxicity and cytokine release [5, 6]. Monitoring of CMV viral load and HLA restriction is critical for the successful application of these TCR-based therapies [2, 4].

Other names

CMV-specific T-cell receptorpp65-specific TCRCytomegalovirus pp65-specific T-cell receptorAnti-CMV pp65 TCRCMV pp65-restricted T-cell receptor

Recognition of CMV pp65 peptides presented by MHC Class I or II molecules, triggering T-cell activation and targeted destruction of CMV-infected cells [1, 3, 4].