Epstein-Barr virus latency-associated antigens presented on MHC molecules (EBV Latency Ag/MHC)

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) latency-associated antigens presented on MHC molecules are viral proteins expressed during the latent phase of EBV infection, processed into peptides, and displayed on the cell surface by the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) (Young and Rickinson, 2004, Nature Reviews Cancer). These antigens, including EBNA1, EBNA2, EBNA3 series, and LMPs (LMP1, LMP2), are essential for viral persistence and the oncogenic transformation of B-cells and epithelial cells (UniProt P03211, P03230). In EBV-associated malignancies like nasopharyngeal carcinoma and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), these peptide-MHC complexes serve as highly specific targets for cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) (NCI, 2023). Therapeutic strategies such as tabelecleucel (Ebvallo) and TCR-engineered T-cells utilize the specificity of T-cell receptors to recognize these complexes and induce apoptosis in infected cells (Prockop et al., 2020, JCI). Additionally, these antigens are increasingly recognized for their role in autoimmune diseases, notably multiple sclerosis, where they may trigger cross-reactive immune responses (Bjornevik et al., 2022, Science). The presentation of these antigens is HLA-restricted, meaning therapeutic efficacy often depends on the patient's specific MHC alleles, such as HLA-A*02:01.

Other names

EBV latent antigensEBV-specific peptide-MHC complexesEBNA/LMP antigensEpstein-Barr virus-associated tumor antigensEBV-MHC peptide complex

Recognition of viral peptide-MHC complexes by T-cell receptors (TCRs) leading to targeted lysis of EBV-infected cells.