Epstein-Barr virus antigen peptide–Major Histocompatibility Complex class I (EBV-pMHC-I)

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antigen peptide–Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I complex is a molecular assembly consisting of a viral peptide fragment bound to an MHC class I molecule on the surface of infected cells. This complex is essential for the adaptive immune system, as it serves as the primary ligand for CD8+ cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs) via their T-cell receptors (TCRs) (Source: PubMed, PMID: 31435312). EBV, a ubiquitous gammaherpesvirus, establishes lifelong latency and is associated with various malignancies, including Burkitt lymphoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (Source: StatPearls, NBK470245). Therapeutic strategies targeting these complexes include adoptive T-cell therapies, such as tabelecleucel, and engineered TCR-T cells that specifically recognize EBV-derived epitopes like those from LMP2 or EBNA1 (Source: EMA, Ebvallo Summary of Product Characteristics). By targeting these specific pMHC complexes, therapies can selectively eliminate EBV-infected or transformed cells while sparing healthy tissue. However, challenges remain regarding HLA restriction, as each therapy must match the patient's specific MHC allele to be effective (Source: Nature Reviews Immunology, doi:10.1038/nri.2016.107). Additionally, the virus can employ immune evasion strategies, such as the downregulation of MHC molecules, to avoid detection by the immune system (Source: PubMed, PMID: 27149153).

Other names

EBV peptide-HLA complexEBV-pMHCEpstein-Barr virus antigen-MHC class I complexEBV-specific pMHC

Recognition by T-cell receptors (TCRs) or TCR-like molecules, triggering cytotoxic immune responses against cells presenting the viral antigen (Source: Blood, doi:10.1182/blood.2020009295).