Epstein–Barr virus antigens (EBV antigens) (EBV antigens)

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) antigens derived from inactivated EBV-infected B cells constitute a broad spectrum of viral proteins expressed during the latent and lytic phases of the EBV life cycle. These antigens, primarily including Epstein–Barr nuclear antigens (EBNA-1, -2, -3A, -3B, -3C, -LP) and latent membrane proteins (LMP-1, -2), are essential for the virus's ability to transform B lymphocytes into immortalized lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) (Source: Cohen, J. I., NEJM, 2000). In clinical applications, these inactivated B cells serve as professional antigen-presenting cells to prime and expand EBV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) for adoptive cell therapy (Source: Heslop, H. E., et al., Blood, 2010). This therapeutic strategy is designed to combat EBV-driven diseases, such as post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) and various EBV-positive lymphomas, by re-establishing cellular immunity against cells expressing these viral markers (Source: EMA Summary of Product Characteristics for Ebvallo). Furthermore, recent evidence linking EBV to the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis has expanded the potential therapeutic scope of targeting these antigens to include autoimmune conditions (Source: Bjornevik, K., et al., Science, 2022). The use of a multi-antigen approach helps prevent immune escape, a common challenge in treating virally-induced cancers.

Other names

Epstein–Barr virus-associated antigensEBV-specific antigensEpstein–Barr virus proteinsLatent membrane proteins (LMP)Epstein–Barr nuclear antigens (EBNA)EBV antigens from inactivated EBV-infected B cells

Stimulation of EBV-specific T-cell mediated cytotoxicity and induction of cellular and humoral immune responses against viral proteins.