EBV-derived peptide–HLA class I complex

EBV-derived peptide–HLA class I complexes are molecular complexes formed when short peptides derived from the Epstein-Barr virus (typically 8–10 amino acids in length, processed from viral proteins) are bound and presented on the cell surface by HLA class I molecules. These complexes allow CD8+ T lymphocytes to recognize and eliminate EBV-infected or transformed (malignant) cells. The specificity of the immune response depends on both the particular EBV peptide presented and the HLA class I allele involved. These complexes are key targets for immunotherapies against EBV-related diseases, though significant challenges exist due to virus-driven immune evasion and HLA polymorphism

Other names

EBV antigenic peptide–MHC class I complexEBV peptide–HLA class I complexEBV peptide–MHC class I-restricted epitope

Immunotherapies: Recognition and killing of EBV-infected or malignant cells by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) via their T cell receptor (TCR) binding to MHC class I–peptide complex