Virally infected host cell presenting SARS-CoV-2 antigen via HLA-A*02

A virally infected host cell presenting SARS-CoV-2 antigens via HLA-A*02 refers to a human cell (such as an epithelial or immune cell) that has been infected by SARS-CoV-2 and processes viral proteins into short peptide fragments. These fragments are loaded onto HLA-A*02, a common major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecule, and displayed on the cell surface. This presentation enables recognition by cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes, which can induce the killing of the infected cell and contribute to viral clearance. The specific repertoire of presented antigens and the strength of the resulting immune response depend on both the HLA-A*02 allele and the viral sequence, with certain SARS-CoV-2 peptides shown to be highly immunogenic in this context. Therapeutic strategies include boosting T cell responses via vaccines or cell therapies targeting HLA-A*02-restricted viral epitopes, though variations in HLA alleles and viral mutations can affect immune recognition.

Other names

SARS-CoV-2 antigen-presenting cell (via HLA-A*02)HLA-A*02-restricted virally infected cellHLA-A*02:01 SARS-CoV-2 antigen-presenting cell

Induces cytotoxic T cell–mediated killing of infected cells by presenting viral peptides on the cell surface; Triggers T cell activation upon recognition of specific SARS-CoV-2 peptides in the context of HLA-A*02