Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein 2-derived peptide–human leukocyte antigen complex (EBV LMP2-HLA complex)

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) latent membrane protein 2 (LMP2)-derived peptide–HLA complex is a specific antigen-presenting structure found on the surface of EBV-infected malignant cells. LMP2 is a viral protein expressed during Latency II and III programs, which are associated with various malignancies such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, and certain gastric cancers. Because LMP2 is an intracellular protein, it is processed by the proteasome into short peptides that are subsequently loaded onto Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) class I or II molecules and transported to the cell surface. These peptide-MHC (pMHC) complexes serve as highly specific targets for the cellular immune system, particularly CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes. In the context of immunotherapy, these complexes are targeted by TCR-engineered T cells (TCR-T) and TCR-like antibodies designed to recognize the specific combination of the viral peptide and the host HLA molecule. This targeting strategy allows for the selective destruction of tumor cells while minimizing off-target effects on healthy, non-infected tissues.

Other names

LMP2-pMHCEBV LMP2 peptide-MHC complexLMP2A-HLA complexLMP2B-HLA complexEBV LMP2-derived peptide–MHC class I complex

T-cell receptor (TCR) mediated recognition and cytotoxic cell killing