Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein 1 peptide–major histocompatibility complex class I (EBV LMP1 pMHC)

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) peptide–major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I is a specialized molecular target consisting of a viral peptide fragment bound to a human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecule on the cell surface. LMP1 is a primary oncogene of EBV, essential for B-cell transformation and frequently expressed in EBV-associated malignancies such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma and certain lymphomas (PubMed: 25233970). Because LMP1 is a viral protein, its presentation as a pMHC complex provides a highly specific target for immunotherapy, distinguishing malignant cells from healthy tissue. Therapeutic strategies focusing on this complex include the development of T-cell receptor-engineered T cells (TCR-T) and TCR-like antibodies that recognize specific peptide sequences, such as the HLA-A*02:01-restricted YLLEMLWRL epitope (PubMed: 30108114). These interventions aim to harness the immune system to selectively eliminate EBV-positive tumor cells while minimizing damage to non-infected cells.

Other names

EBV LMP1-HLA complexLMP1 peptide-MHC class IEBV LMP1-HLA-A*02:01 complexYLLEMLWRL-HLA-A*02:01 complex

Targeting of the pMHC complex by engineered T-cell receptors (TCRs) or TCR-like antibodies induces direct T-cell mediated cytotoxicity or antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) against EBV-infected malignant cells.