HLA-B*08:01-presented Epstein-Barr virus BZLF1 epitope RAKFKQLL (HLA-B*08:01/RAKFKQLL)

The HLA-B*08:01-presented BZLF1 epitope RAKFKQLL is a peptide-major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) that serves as a critical target for the cellular immune response against Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The RAKFKQLL peptide, spanning residues 190-197 of the BZLF1 protein, is an immediate-early antigen essential for the transition of EBV from a latent to a lytic state (Bogedain et al., 1995, J Virol). In individuals carrying the HLA-B*08:01 allele, this epitope is highly immunodominant, often accounting for a large percentage of the EBV-specific CD8+ T-cell repertoire (Rickinson & Moss, 1997, Annu Rev Immunol). This complex is a primary focus for immunotherapeutic interventions, including adoptive T-cell therapies and TCR-engineered T-cells (TCR-T), designed to treat EBV-associated conditions such as infectious mononucleosis, Hodgkin lymphoma, and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (Haque et al., 2007, Lancet Oncol). Therapeutic strategies aim to leverage the high specificity of T-cell receptors for this pMHC to selectively eliminate EBV-infected or malignant cells. However, clinical application faces challenges such as potential cross-reactivity with self-peptides and the ability of EBV to downregulate HLA expression to evade immune detection (Ressing et al., 2015, Curr Opin Virol).

Other names

EBV BZLF1 RAK epitopeBZLF1(190-197) epitopeHLA-B8 RAKFKQLL complexRAK epitopeZEBRA RAK epitopeZta RAK epitope

Recognition by antigen-specific T-cell receptors (TCRs) on CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, leading to the targeted lysis of EBV-infected or malignant cells.