Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein 2A (LMP2A) (LMP2A)

Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein 2A (LMP2A) is a key viral effector protein expressed during the latent phase of EBV infection [1]. It is a multi-pass transmembrane protein that functions as a molecular mimic of the B-cell receptor (BCR) [2]. By utilizing its N-terminal cytoplasmic domain to recruit and activate Src family kinases (like Lyn) and the Syk tyrosine kinase, LMP2A provides essential "tonic" survival signals to B-cells, allowing them to bypass normal selection checkpoints [3]. This activity is central to the persistence of EBV in the host and plays a significant role in the development of EBV-associated malignancies, including Hodgkin lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma [1,4]. Therapeutically, LMP2A is a primary target for adoptive T-cell therapies, such as tabelecleucel, and therapeutic vaccines designed to eliminate EBV-positive tumor cells [4]. Additionally, small molecule inhibitors targeting the downstream kinases recruited by LMP2A are being investigated as potential treatments for EBV-related cancers [2].

Other names

LMP2Latent membrane protein 2EBV-LMP2AEpstein-Barr virus LMP2A

T-cell mediated cytotoxicity against LMP2A-expressing cells; Inhibition of Syk or Src family kinases recruited by LMP2A