Epstein-Barr virus antigens (EBV antigens)

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antigens are a diverse group of viral proteins that serve as the primary targets for the host immune system and therapeutic interventions [4, 6]. These antigens are broadly classified into lytic proteins, such as the envelope glycoproteins gp350, gp42, and gH/gL, which are critical for viral entry into B cells and epithelial cells, and latent proteins, including EBNA1, LMP1, and LMP2, which are essential for viral persistence and oncogenesis [4, 11]. In the context of drug development, lytic antigens are the focus of prophylactic vaccines aimed at generating neutralizing antibodies to prevent infection [13]. Conversely, latent antigens are targeted by therapeutic vaccines and adoptive T-cell therapies to eliminate EBV-infected cancer cells in malignancies like Hodgkin lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma [6, 13]. Recent research has also linked these antigens to the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis, further emphasizing their importance as therapeutic targets for preventing long-term viral complications [1, 10].

Other names

Epstein-Barr virus – immunological antigensEBV immunological antigensEpstein-Barr virus proteinsEBV immunogensHuman herpesvirus 4 antigens

Neutralization of viral entry, induction of antigen-specific cytotoxic T-cell responses, inhibition of viral genome maintenance, and blockade of oncogenic signaling pathways [1, 6, 8, 13].