Epstein–Barr virus latent membrane protein 2-derived peptide–HLA class I complex (LMP2-HLA-I complex)

The Epstein–Barr virus latent membrane protein 2 (LMP2)-derived peptide–HLA class I complex is a critical immunological target found on the surface of cells infected with EBV, particularly those in Latency II and III stages (UniProt P13285). LMP2 is a transmembrane protein that mimics B-cell receptor signaling to maintain viral latency and promote cell survival, contributing to the oncogenesis of various malignancies such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma and certain lymphomas (PubMed 15155838). In these cells, LMP2 is processed by the proteasome into short peptides, which are then transported to the endoplasmic reticulum and loaded onto HLA class I molecules for presentation on the cell surface (PubMed 25609240). This complex serves as a highly specific marker for EBV-positive malignant cells, making it an ideal target for T-cell receptor (TCR)-engineered T-cell therapies and TCR-like antibodies (PubMed 30305451). By specifically recognizing these peptide-HLA complexes, therapeutic agents can selectively eliminate EBV-infected cells while sparing healthy, non-infected tissues (PubMed 31515463).

Other names

EBV LMP2 peptide-MHC complexLMP2-HLA-A*02:01 complexLatent membrane protein 2-HLA class I complexLMP2-MHC-IEBV LMP2-derived peptide-MHC class I complex

Recognition by T-cell receptors (TCRs) or TCR-like molecules on effector cells, triggering cytotoxic activity and apoptosis of EBV-infected cells.