Epstein-Barr virus peptide-Major Histocompatibility Complex (EBV pMHC)

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) peptide-Major Histocompatibility Complex (pMHC) refers to the presentation of viral-derived peptides on the surface of infected cells by Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) molecules. These complexes serve as the essential recognition units for the adaptive immune system, particularly CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) that identify them via specific T-cell receptors (TCRs) [Taylor et al., Nat Rev Cancer, 2015]. In EBV-associated malignancies and chronic infections, the virus expresses latency-associated proteins such as LMP1, LMP2, and EBNA1, which are processed into antigenic peptides and displayed by MHC Class I or II molecules [Long et al., J Exp Med, 2011]. Therapeutic interventions targeting these complexes include adoptive T-cell therapies, such as the approved allogeneic therapy Tabelecleucel, as well as TCR-engineered T cells and bispecific antibodies [Prockop et al., J Clin Invest, 2020]. By focusing on these viral-specific markers, treatments aim to achieve high precision in eliminating EBV-infected or transformed cells while minimizing damage to healthy, non-infected tissues. The efficacy of these therapies is highly dependent on the patient's HLA type and the specific EBV latency pattern expressed by the disease [Cho et al., Front Immunol, 2018].

Other names

EBV peptide-HLA complexEBV antigen-MHC complexEBV-specific pMHCEpstein-Barr virus antigen-presenting complexEBV-HLA-peptide complex

Recognition by T-cell receptors (TCRs) on CD8+ or CD4+ T cells, leading to the activation of cytotoxic pathways and the targeted lysis of EBV-infected or malignant cells [Taylor et al., Nat Rev Cancer, 2015].