Epstein-Barr virus antigenic peptide–MHC complex

The **Epstein-Barr virus antigenic peptide–MHC complex** refers to viral peptides derived from EBV proteins that are bound to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules and displayed on the surface of infected B cells and plasma cells. These complexes serve as immunological signals, enabling T cells (CD8+ via MHC-I, CD4+ via MHC-II) to recognize and target infected or malignant cells. EBV manipulates host MHC expression and antigen presentation to evade T-cell detection, and differential presentation pathways (e.g., TAP-dependent and TAP-independent mechanisms) play a crucial role in immune recognition and escape. Therapeutically, the EBV peptide–MHC complex is targeted to enable immune-mediated killing, and is explored as a biomarker for patient stratification and efficacy monitoring in EBV-associated diseases, especially certain lymphomas and carcinomas. Structural studies reveal that specific peptide/MHC/TCR interactions determine the quality of immune response and influence immunotherapy options.

Other names

EBV peptide–MHC complexEBV epitope–MHC complexEBV antigen–MHC complex

Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) or complement-dependent cytotoxicity, mediated by drugs or antibodies that recognize the EBV peptide–MHC complex, possibly leading to destruction of infected or malignant cells T-cell receptor recognition and activation leading to cytotoxic lymphocyte killing of infected cells