Other Epstein-Barr virus protein–derived peptide–MHC complexes (EBV pMHC)

Other EBV protein–derived peptide–MHC complexes refers to a class of therapeutic targets consisting of peptides from Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) proteins presented by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules on the surface of infected cells. While latent membrane proteins (LMP1, LMP2) and EBNA1 are the most frequently targeted EBV antigens, this category encompasses immunodominant latent proteins like EBNA3A, EBNA3B, and EBNA3C, as well as lytic cycle proteins such as BZLF1 and BRLF1. These complexes are primarily targeted by EBV-specific T-cell therapies (VSTs) and T-cell receptor-engineered T-cell (TCR-T) therapies, which utilize natural or synthetic TCRs to recognize and eliminate EBV-positive tumor cells. EBV-associated diseases, including post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) and nasopharyngeal carcinoma, are the primary indications for drugs targeting these complexes. The therapeutic approach leverages the high immunogenicity of these viral antigens to achieve precise tumor cell killing while sparing healthy non-infected tissues.

Other names

EBV peptide-HLA complexesEBV-specific T-cell targetsNon-LMP/EBNA1 EBV antigensEBV pMHC complexesEpstein-Barr virus protein-derived peptide-MHC complexes

T-cell receptor (TCR) mediated recognition of viral peptides presented on MHC molecules, leading to cytotoxic T-lymphocyte activation and lysis of EBV-infected cells.