Epstein–Barr virus latent membrane protein 2A peptide-HLA class I complex (EBV LMP2A-HLA-I)

The Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) latent membrane protein 2A (LMP2A) peptide presented by HLA class I is a specialized immunological target used in the treatment of EBV-associated malignancies. LMP2A is a viral protein expressed during the latency II and III phases of the EBV life cycle, where it mimics B-cell receptor signaling to promote the survival and persistence of infected cells. Specific peptides derived from LMP2A, such as CLGGLLTMV (restricted to HLA-A*02:01) or SSCSSCPLSK (restricted to HLA-A*11:01), are processed and displayed on the cell surface by Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) class I molecules. These peptide-MHC complexes are recognized by the T-cell receptors (TCRs) of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes, making them ideal targets for precision immunotherapy. Therapeutic approaches include adoptive T-cell therapies, such as TCR-engineered T cells (TCR-T) and TCR-like chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T), as well as peptide vaccines and allogeneic EBV-specific T-cell infusions. These strategies are primarily investigated for the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders. Monitoring HLA status and EBV DNA load is essential for patient selection and assessing treatment efficacy.

Other names

EBV LMP2A peptide-MHC complexLMP2A-HLA-A*02:01 complexLMP2A-HLA-A*11:01 complexLMP2A-HLA-A*24:02 complexEpstein-Barr virus LMP2A-HLA complex

Recognition of the specific viral peptide-HLA complex by T-cell receptors (TCRs) or TCR-like chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), leading to targeted lysis of EBV-infected cells.