Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein 2-derived peptide–Major Histocompatibility Complex (LMP2-pMHC)

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) latent membrane protein 2 (LMP2)-derived peptide–Major Histocompatibility Complex (pMHC) is a critical immunological target for treating EBV-associated malignancies. LMP2 is a viral protein expressed during the latency phase of EBV infection and is frequently found in tumors such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma and certain lymphomas (Source: PubMed, PMID: 30633913). Peptides derived from LMP2, such as the HLA-A*02:01-restricted 'CLGGLLTMV' epitope, are processed and presented on the surface of malignant cells by MHC Class I molecules (Source: Journal of Virology, doi:10.1128/JVI.01134-06). These complexes serve as highly specific markers that allow the immune system to distinguish tumor cells from healthy tissue. Therapeutic strategies targeting these complexes include the development of T-cell receptor-engineered T-cell (TCR-T) therapies and therapeutic vaccines designed to elicit a robust cytotoxic T-lymphocyte response (Source: Clinical Cancer Research, doi:10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-18-1324). By specifically binding to the LMP2-pMHC, these therapies can induce targeted lysis of EBV-positive cancer cells while minimizing damage to non-infected cells.

Other names

LMP2-HLA complexEBV LMP2 peptide-MHCLatent membrane protein 2 antigen-MHC complexLMP2-derived peptide-HLA-A*02:01 complex

Recognition of the specific viral peptide-MHC complex by T-cell receptors (TCRs) or TCR-like antibodies, triggering cytotoxic immune responses against EBV-infected or transformed cells.