Epstein-Barr virus lytic-cycle antigen-derived peptide-Major Histocompatibility Complex (EBV lytic pMHC)

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) lytic-cycle antigen-derived peptide-Major Histocompatibility Complex (pMHC) refers to the presentation of viral peptides on the surface of infected cells during the lytic phase of the EBV life cycle (Taylor et al., 2015, Journal of Experimental Medicine). These peptides are derived from immediate-early (e.g., BZLF1, BRLF1) and early (e.g., BMLF1) viral proteins and are presented by MHC Class I or II molecules to T cells (Long et al., 2011, Journal of Experimental Medicine). This presentation is essential for the immune system to identify and destroy cells undergoing active viral replication (NCBI, 2023). In therapeutic development, these pMHC complexes are targeted by adoptive T-cell therapies, such as Tabelecleucel, and engineered T-cell receptor (TCR) therapies to treat EBV-associated diseases (Atara Biotherapeutics, 2024). These diseases include infectious mononucleosis, post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), and certain EBV-positive malignancies like nasopharyngeal carcinoma (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03394365). Targeting lytic antigens is particularly effective because these proteins are often highly immunogenic and expressed early during viral reactivation (PubMed, PMID: 21576383).

Other names

EBV lytic pMHCEBV lytic antigen-HLA complexEpstein-Barr virus lytic epitope-MHCHLA-restricted EBV lytic antigen complex

Recognition of specific EBV lytic peptides presented on MHC molecules by T-cell receptors (TCRs), leading to T-cell activation, secretion of inflammatory cytokines, and direct lysis of the target cell.