Epstein–Barr virus latent membrane protein 2 (LMP2 (with main isoforms LMP2A and LMP2B))

Epstein–Barr virus latent membrane protein 2 (LMP2) consists of two isoforms, LMP2A and LMP2B, encoded by the LMP2 gene. Both isoforms are viral transmembrane proteins expressed in the plasma membrane of EBV-infected cells. LMP2A disrupts normal B-cell receptor (BCR) signal transduction by mimicking an activated BCR, primarily binding Src family kinases and Syk, and is constitutively phosphorylated. This prevents normal activation signaling in B cells, helping EBV persist in host cells and avoid immune detection. LMP2A also activates the Ras/PI3K/Akt pathway, supporting cell survival and potentially contributing to EBV-associated tumorigenesis. LMP2B shares most of the structure but lacks the N-terminal signaling domain, and modulates LMP2A function by interfering with its activity, potentially influencing the switch between latent and lytic viral replication. These proteins are functional targets in EBV biology, relevant to infection, immune modulation, and EBV-associated cancers[1][2][3][4][5][6][8].

Other names

LMP2ALMP2BEBV-LMP2Latent membrane protein 2

Agents or strategies targeting LMP2A would block its ability to mimic B-cell receptor signaling, restore normal tyrosine kinase or calcium signaling, inhibit cell survival pathways (such as Ras/PI3K/Akt), or trigger viral lytic reactivation[6][2][4].