Peptide–MHC class I complex presenting Epstein-Barr virus antigen (pMHC-I (EBV))

Peptide–MHC class I (pMHC-I) complexes presenting Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antigens are essential molecular targets for the cellular immune response against EBV-infected cells. These complexes consist of an EBV-derived peptide fragment, typically from latent proteins like LMP1, LMP2, or EBNA, bound within the groove of a Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) class I molecule on the cell surface. In healthy individuals, these complexes are recognized by CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), which maintain the virus in a latent state. However, in EBV-associated malignancies such as post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and certain lymphomas, the virus can evade this surveillance through mechanisms like the downregulation of MHC-I expression or the inhibition of antigen processing. Therapeutic strategies targeting these pMHC complexes include adoptive T-cell therapies, such as the approved allogeneic therapy tabelecleucel, and engineered T-cell receptor (TCR) therapies. These treatments aim to restore or enhance the immune system's ability to specifically recognize and eliminate EBV-positive tumor cells while sparing healthy tissue.

Other names

EBV pMHCHLA-peptide complex (EBV)Epstein-Barr virus peptide-HLA class I complexEBV-specific pMHC-I

T-cell receptor (TCR) binding and T-cell mediated cytotoxicity leading to apoptosis of EBV-infected cells