Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein 2-derived peptide presented by HLA-A*02:01 (EBV LMP2/HLA-A*02:01)

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) latent membrane protein 2 (LMP2) is a key viral protein expressed during EBV latency types II and III, which are associated with various malignancies. When processed by the proteasome, specific LMP2-derived peptides, such as the immunodominant CLGGLLTMV (residues 426-434) or FLYALALLL (residues 356-364), are loaded onto the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) allele A*02:01 and presented on the cell surface. This peptide-MHC (pMHC) complex serves as a highly specific target for the immune system, particularly for CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes. In the context of EBV-associated cancers like nasopharyngeal carcinoma and Hodgkin lymphoma, the LMP2/HLA-A*02:01 complex is a primary target for TCR-engineered T-cell therapies and therapeutic vaccines. By targeting this complex, drugs aim to selectively eliminate EBV-transformed cells while sparing healthy tissue that does not express the viral protein.

Other names

LMP2 peptide-HLA-A*02:01 complexEBV LMP2 epitopeHLA-A*02:01-restricted EBV LMP2 antigenCLGGLLTMV-HLA-A*02:01FLYALALLL-HLA-A*02:01

T-cell receptor (TCR) mediated recognition leading to cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) activation and lysis of EBV-infected cells.