HLA-B*08:01-presented Epstein-Barr virus BZLF1 peptide-T-cell receptor complex (HLA-B*08:01-BZLF1-TCR)

The HLA-B*08:01-presented EBV BZLF1 peptide-T-cell receptor (TCR) complex is a molecular assembly essential for the cellular immune response against Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) (Argaet et al., 1994, J Exp Med). The BZLF1 protein, also known as Zta or ZEBRA, is an immediate-early transcription factor that triggers the EBV lytic cycle (Kjer-Nielsen et al., 2003, Immunity). In individuals carrying the HLA-B*08:01 allele, the immunodominant peptide RAKFKQLL (residues 190–197) from BZLF1 is processed and presented on the surface of infected cells (Gras et al., 2009, J Immunol). This peptide-MHC (pMHC) complex is specifically recognized by the TCRs of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), leading to the release of cytotoxic granules that destroy the EBV-infected cell. This complex is a major focus for immunotherapy, particularly in treating EBV-associated diseases such as post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) and certain lymphomas (Prock et al., 2023, Front Immunol). Therapeutic strategies include the use of adoptive T-cell therapies, such as tabelecleucel, and the development of TCR-engineered T cells designed to precisely target this pMHC complex (Haque et al., 2007, Blood).

Other names

HLA-B*08:01-RAKFKQLL complexEBV BZLF1 (190-197) HLA-B8 complexBZLF1-specific TCR-pMHC complexHLA-B8-BZLF1 complexEpstein-Barr virus BZLF1 peptide-HLA-B*08:01 complex

T-cell receptor-mediated recognition of viral peptide-MHC complex leading to cytotoxic cell death