Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein 2 peptide–major histocompatibility complex (EBV LMP2-MHC) (EBV LMP2-MHC)

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) latent membrane protein 2 (LMP2) peptide–major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a cell-surface antigen found on cells latently infected with EBV (PMID: 29147061). LMP2 is a key viral protein that mimics B-cell receptor signaling to maintain viral latency and promote the survival of infected B-cells (UniProt P13285). In EBV-associated malignancies, such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma and certain lymphomas, LMP2-derived peptides are processed and presented by MHC Class I molecules, most commonly HLA-A*02:01 (PMID: 30305418). These complexes are highly specific therapeutic targets because LMP2 is not expressed in normal, non-infected human tissues. Current therapeutic strategies include the use of EBV-specific T-cells like Tabelecleucel, TCR-engineered T-cells (TCR-T), and TCR-like antibodies that recognize the specific peptide-MHC configuration (PMID: 34151154). By targeting these complexes, therapies can selectively eliminate EBV-positive tumor cells while minimizing off-target effects on healthy tissue.

Other names

LMP2-HLA complexEBV LMP2 peptide-HLA-A*02:01 complexLatent membrane protein 2-MHC class I complexLMP2-MHC

Targeting of EBV-infected cells via T-cell receptor recognition or TCR-like antibody binding to induce T-cell mediated cytotoxicity and apoptosis of the infected or malignant cell.