Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen 3B peptide–Major Histocompatibility Complex (EBNA3B-pMHC)

The Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen 3B (EBNA3B) peptide–Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) is a molecular assembly presented on the surface of cells infected with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). EBNA3B is a latent viral protein essential for the transformation of B cells, and its processed peptides are presented by MHC class I molecules, most notably HLA-A*11:01, to the immune system (UniProt: P12977). This complex serves as a critical target for CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes, which recognize the specific peptide-MHC configuration via their T-cell receptors (TCRs) (PubMed: 15140913). In the context of EBV-associated malignancies such as lymphomas and nasopharyngeal carcinoma, the EBNA3B-pMHC complex is utilized as a therapeutic target for TCR-engineered T-cell therapies and vaccines (PubMed: 30305451). By targeting this complex, therapies aim to selectively eliminate EBV-positive tumor cells while sparing healthy, uninfected tissue. However, challenges include potential cross-reactivity with similar human peptides and the virus's ability to downregulate MHC expression to evade immune detection (PubMed: 25404361).

Other names

EBNA-3B peptide-HLA complexEBNA3B-MHCEBNA3B-HLA-A*11:01 complexEpstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen 3B antigen-MHC complex

Recognition by T-cell receptors (TCRs) leading to the activation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and subsequent lysis of EBV-infected cells.