Peptide–Major Histocompatibility Complex presenting Epstein–Barr virus antigens (EBV pMHC)

Peptide–Major Histocompatibility Complex (pMHC) complexes presenting Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) antigens are critical immunological targets found on the surface of EBV-infected or malignantly transformed B cells. These complexes consist of viral peptides derived from latent or lytic proteins, such as Latent Membrane Proteins (LMP1, LMP2) or EBV Nuclear Antigens (EBNA), bound within the groove of HLA molecules. In healthy individuals, these pMHCs are recognized by the endogenous T-cell repertoire to maintain viral latency; however, in immunocompromised patients or EBV-associated malignancies, this surveillance fails. Therapeutic strategies, such as tabelecleucel, utilize EBV-specific T cells or TCR-like antibodies to specifically recognize these pMHC targets and induce apoptosis in the target cells. This approach is particularly relevant for treating post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) and other EBV-driven cancers where traditional chemotherapy may be ineffective. The high specificity of the pMHC interaction allows for the selective destruction of infected cells while sparing healthy tissue, though it requires precise HLA matching between the therapy and the patient.

Other names

EBV peptide-MHC complexEpstein–Barr virus antigen-MHC complexHLA-restricted EBV antigen complexEBV-specific pMHCLMP/EBNA peptide-HLA complex

Adoptive cellular therapy using EBV-specific T cells that recognize viral peptides presented by MHC molecules on the surface of infected or transformed B cells, leading to targeted cytotoxicity and elimination of the EBV-positive cells.