Epstein-Barr virus antigens presented on HLA (EBV antigens/HLA)

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antigens presented on HLA refers to the diverse repertoire of viral proteins processed into peptides and displayed on the cell surface by Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) molecules. This category includes immunodominant latent antigens such as the EBNA3 family (EBNA3A, 3B, 3C) and various lytic cycle proteins like BZLF1, BARF1, and gp350, which are distinct from the primary targets EBNA1 and LMP1/2 [1][3]. These HLA-presented viral peptides are essential for recognition by CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, making them primary targets for immunotherapies including adoptive T-cell transfer and TCR-engineered T cells [2][4]. In clinical settings, these antigens are targeted to treat EBV-associated malignancies such as post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and Hodgkin lymphoma [2][5]. Furthermore, the immune response to these antigens is increasingly studied in the context of autoimmune diseases, particularly Multiple Sclerosis, where molecular mimicry or chronic activation by EBV-derived peptides may drive neuroinflammation [3][6].

Other names

EBV-derived peptidesEBV-specific antigensHLA-presented EBV epitopesEBV-MHC complexesEBV lytic and latent antigensEBV peptidome

T-cell mediated cytotoxicity and immune recognition of EBV-infected or malignant cells through T-cell receptor (TCR) binding to HLA-presented viral peptides, leading to targeted cell lysis.