Epstein-Barr virus-derived peptides presented by Human Leukocyte Antigen class I and class II (EBV-HLA peptide-complexes)

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-derived peptides presented by Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) class I and II molecules are critical therapeutic targets for EBV-associated malignancies and lymphoproliferative disorders. These targets consist of short peptide fragments derived from EBV latent proteins (such as EBNA1, LMP1, and LMP2) or lytic cycle proteins that are processed and displayed on the surface of infected B cells and lymphoma cells [Source: PubMed: 31435474]. The presentation of these peptides allows the host immune system, specifically CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, to identify and eliminate virally transformed cells. In patients with compromised immunity, such as those undergoing hematopoietic stem cell or solid organ transplantation, the failure of this surveillance leads to EBV-positive post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) [Source: NIH, NCI Dictionary]. Therapeutic interventions like Tabelecleucel utilize allogeneic EBV-specific T cells that recognize these specific HLA-peptide combinations to restore immune control and induce tumor regression [Source: EMA, 2022]. These targets are highly specific to infected cells, minimizing damage to healthy tissues, although their efficacy can be limited by the heterogeneity of HLA alleles in the population and viral mechanisms of immune evasion [Source: PubMed: 25635611].

Other names

EBV-specific antigensEBV-HLA complexesEBV-derived epitopesEBV-associated MHC-peptide complexesEBV-restricted T-cell targets

Recognition of the peptide-HLA complex by the T-cell receptor (TCR) on cytotoxic (CD8+) or helper (CD4+) T-cells, leading to the targeted lysis of EBV-infected cells and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha) [Source: EMA, Ebvallo Assessment Report, 2022; PubMed: 29113962].