Epstein–Barr Virus peptide-HLA complex (EBV peptide-HLA)

The Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV) peptide-HLA complex is a molecular target formed by the presentation of EBV-derived antigens on the surface of host cells via Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) molecules. This complex is central to the immune system's ability to detect and eliminate EBV-infected cells, which are associated with various malignancies such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), as well as autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis (Source: PubMed, PMID: 30633951; Science, DOI: 10.1126/science.abj8222). Therapeutic strategies targeting these complexes include adoptive T-cell therapies, such as the approved allogeneic T-cell product tabelecleucel, and experimental TCR-engineered T cells (Source: EMA). These therapies work by utilizing T-cell receptors (TCRs) that specifically recognize the unique conformation of the viral peptide nestled within the HLA groove. While highly effective for targeting EBV-positive cells, the efficacy of these treatments is restricted by the patient's HLA genotype, necessitating HLA matching for many products. Potential safety concerns include off-target cross-reactivity with similar self-peptides and the risk of cytokine release syndrome during treatment.

Other names

EBV pMHCEpstein-Barr Virus peptide-MHC complexEBV antigen-HLA complexEBV-specific pMHC

Recognition of the peptide-HLA complex by T-cell receptors (TCRs) or TCR-like antibodies, which triggers the activation of cytotoxic T cells and the subsequent lysis of the target cell through the release of perforin and granzymes (Source: PubMed, PMID: 29103182).