Epstein–Barr virus peptide antigens presented on Human Leukocyte Antigen (EBV-HLA complex)

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) peptide antigens presented on Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) molecules are the primary targets for cellular immunity against EBV-infected cells [3]. These complexes consist of viral epitopes, derived from proteins like EBNA1, LMP1, or LMP2, which are processed and displayed on the cell surface by HLA class I or II molecules [4]. In the context of EBV-associated malignancies, such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), these pMHC complexes serve as specific markers for therapeutic intervention [1]. Adoptive T-cell therapies, such as tabelecleucel, utilize EBV-specific T-lymphocytes that recognize these complexes via their T-cell receptors (TCRs) to induce apoptosis in target cells [1][3]. Furthermore, these targets are being explored in the treatment of autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, where EBV-infected B cells are hypothesized to play a pathogenic role [2]. The specificity of the interaction depends on the particular HLA allele and the viral peptide sequence, necessitating HLA matching for many therapeutic applications [3]. Therapeutic development focuses on identifying high-affinity TCRs or engineering cells to enhance the recognition of these EBV-HLA complexes while minimizing off-target effects [4]. Sources: [1] European Medicines Agency (EMA). Ebvallo (tabelecleucel) Summary of Product Characteristics. [2] Atara Biotherapeutics. ATA188 for the treatment of Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. [3] Taylor, G. S., et al. (2015). Epstein-Barr virus-specific T-cell therapy. Journal of Clinical Investigation. [4] Long, H. M., et al. (2011). The biology of EBV-specific T-cell responses. Current Opinion in Virology.

Other names

EBV peptide-MHC complexEBV pMHCEpstein-Barr virus antigen-HLA complexEBV-specific pMHCEBV-HLA peptide complex

Targeted cell lysis via T-cell receptor (TCR) recognition of the specific viral peptide-HLA complex, leading to the activation of cytotoxic T-cells and the release of perforins and granzymes to destroy EBV-infected cells.