Epstein-Barr virus antigen

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infects B cells, leading to the presentation of viral antigens (such as EBNA2, EBNA-LP, BHRF1, LMP1, BZLF1, and EBNA3) on HLA molecules. These peptide-HLA complexes are recognized by the T cell receptor (TCR) on cytotoxic CD8+ and helper or cytotoxic CD4+ T cells, initiating targeted killing or control of infected B cells. This immune surveillance is crucial to prevent EBV-driven malignancies and is the basis for T cell-based immunotherapies and vaccine strategies. However, the process can contribute to autoimmunity, such as through molecular mimicry mechanisms in multiple sclerosis. The "target" here is not a single molecule but a set of viral antigens (peptides) from EBV presented by B cells, including early and latent antigens (e.g., EBNA2, EBNA3, BHRF1, LMP1, BZLF1). Recognition is both HLA- and epitope-specific, with multiple HLA alleles and peptide variants implicated. The T cell response (especially cytotoxic CD8+ and CD4+ T cells) is central to controlling EBV infection and is a therapeutic focus in EBV-driven cancers and certain autoimmune diseases.

Other names

EBV antigenEpstein-Barr virus B cell antigen

T cell-mediated cytotoxicity Recognition of EBV-derived peptides presented by HLA class I/II on B cells, leading to targeted killing of infected or transformed cells