Epstein-Barr virus antigens presented on antigen-presenting cells (EBV-Ag/APC)

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antigens presented on antigen-presenting cells (APCs) serve as the critical recognition signals for the host's adaptive immune system, particularly cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). These antigens, which include latent membrane proteins (LMP1, LMP2) and EBV nuclear antigens (EBNA), are processed into short peptides and displayed on the cell surface via Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules (Taylor et al., 2015, Nature Reviews Immunology). In therapeutic contexts, these peptide-MHC complexes are the primary targets for adoptive T-cell therapies like Tabelecleucel, which is designed to treat EBV-associated post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) (Dharnidharka et al., 2021, American Journal of Transplantation). By leveraging the specificity of the T-cell receptor (TCR) for these viral epitopes, the therapy induces the selective lysis of EBV-infected B-cells while sparing healthy tissue. This target is particularly relevant in immunocompromised patients where natural T-cell surveillance is insufficient to control EBV-driven oncogenesis. Beyond PTLD, these antigens are being investigated as targets for vaccines and treatments for other EBV-linked conditions, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma and multiple sclerosis (Soldan & Lieberman, 2023, Science).

Other names

EBV peptide-HLA complexesEpstein-Barr virus-specific antigensEBV latent antigensEBV-associated antigensEBV-MHC complex

Adoptive immunotherapy utilizing T-cells engineered or selected to recognize specific EBV peptides (such as EBNA1, LMP1, or LMP2) presented by HLA molecules on the surface of infected cells or antigen-presenting cells, leading to targeted cytotoxic cell death (Prockop et al., 2020, JCI).