Epstein-Barr virus Latent Membrane Protein 2 peptide–Human Leukocyte Antigen complex (LMP2-HLA complex)

LMP2-derived peptide–HLA class I/II complexes are molecular assemblies consisting of antigenic peptides from the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) Latent Membrane Protein 2 (LMP2) presented by Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) molecules [1]. These complexes are expressed on the surface of cells during EBV latency and in EBV-associated malignancies, such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) [2, 3]. They function as the primary recognition targets for the adaptive immune system, where class I complexes activate CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and class II complexes stimulate CD4+ helper T cells [1, 4]. In therapeutic contexts, these complexes are targeted by adoptive T-cell therapies, including TCR-engineered T cells (TCR-T) and EBV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), which recognize the pMHC complex to induce selective lysis of diseased cells [2, 5]. Additionally, they are the focus of peptide-based vaccines aimed at boosting the host's natural immune response against EBV-driven pathologies [3]. Monitoring HLA alleles and EBV antigen expression is critical for patient selection and the success of these targeted interventions [1, 2].

Other names

EBV LMP2-HLA complexLMP2-MHC complexLMP2-pMHC complexLatent membrane protein 2-HLA complexEpstein-Barr virus LMP2 peptide-MHC complex

T-cell receptor (TCR) mediated recognition and cytotoxic killing; Adoptive T-cell therapy; Active immunization