Latent membrane protein 2 of Epstein-Barr virus (LMP2 (commonly used); LMP2A and LMP2B for isoforms)

Latent membrane protein 2 of Epstein-Barr virus (LMP2) refers to two isoforms, LMP2A and LMP2B, which are viral transmembrane proteins expressed during EBV latency. LMP2A structurally mimics B-cell receptor signaling, thereby sustaining infected B-cell survival and helping EBV persist in the host by blocking normal receptor-mediated signaling. It interacts with cellular protein tyrosine kinases such as Lyn and Syk via its unique cytoplasmic N-terminal signaling domain. LMP2B is structurally similar but lacks the signaling domain, and can counteract LMP2A functions, influencing the switch from latent to lytic viral cycles. LMP2A is a major immunotherapeutic target in EBV-positive Hodgkin lymphoma and other EBV-associated malignancies, with well-characterized CTL epitopes such as CLGGLLTMV. LMP2 is a model for viral modulation of host cell signaling and immune evasion.

Other names

LMP2LMP2ALMP2B

Immunotherapeutics: CTLs recognize LMP2A epitopes presented via MHC I, and can be engineered to selectively attack EBV-positive lymphoma cells. Peptide vaccine candidates: Used in immunization strategies in EBV-associated cancers via MHC-restricted antigens.