Epstein-Barr virus peptide–Major Histocompatibility Complex class I complex (EBV pMHC I)

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) peptide–Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I complexes are molecular assemblies presented on the surface of EBV-infected or transformed cells, consisting of viral-derived peptides bound within the groove of HLA class I molecules (1, 2). These complexes serve as the primary recognition signal for CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), which are essential for controlling EBV infection and preventing the development of EBV-driven malignancies (3). In diseases such as post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and certain lymphomas, these complexes are exploited as therapeutic targets for adoptive cell therapies and TCR-engineered T-cells (4). For instance, tabelecleucel is an allogeneic T-cell therapy that specifically targets these pMHC complexes to treat EBV+ PTLD (5). While highly specific, the therapeutic utility of these complexes is limited by the requirement for HLA matching (HLA restriction) and the risk of immune evasion through the downregulation of MHC molecules by tumor cells (6).

Other names

EBV peptide-HLA complexEpstein-Barr virus pMHCEBV-specific MHC-peptide complexEBV-restricted MHC class I complex

Recognition by T-cell receptors (TCRs) or TCR-like molecules to trigger targeted lysis of EBV-infected or transformed cells.