Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein 2-derived peptide epitopes presented on MHC class I molecules (EBV LMP2 pMHC)

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) latent membrane protein 2 (LMP2) is a viral protein expressed during the latent phase of EBV infection, particularly in Type II and Type III latency associated with various malignancies. LMP2-derived peptides are processed intracellularly and presented on the cell surface by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I molecules, such as HLA-A*02:01 and HLA-A*11:01. These peptide-MHC (pMHC) complexes serve as highly specific targets for the immune system, specifically for CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes. In therapeutic contexts, these complexes are targeted by engineered T-cell receptor (TCR) therapies, TCR-like chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), and therapeutic vaccines to eliminate EBV-positive tumor cells in diseases like nasopharyngeal carcinoma and Hodgkin lymphoma. Because LMP2 is a foreign viral protein, it offers a favorable safety profile with reduced risk of off-target toxicity compared to self-antigens, although cross-reactivity with similar human peptides remains a concern. Additionally, LMP2A functions biologically by mimicking B-cell receptor signaling to promote the survival of infected cells and maintain viral latency.

Other names

EBV LMP2 peptide-MHC complexLMP2A/B MHC class I epitopesHLA-restricted LMP2 peptidesLMP2-derived pMHCLatent membrane protein 2-derived peptide-HLA complex

Recognition of the peptide-MHC complex by engineered T-cell receptors (TCRs) or TCR-like antibodies, triggering cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) mediated lysis of EBV-infected cells.