We uncovered, that the interplay of three factors, a specific viral LMP-1 peptide variant of the infecting EBV-strain, the high-expressing host HLA-E*0103/0103 genotype and the absence of a potent host NKG2C+ NK cell response, is associated with a particularly high-risk for these EBV+ lymphomas. The gene discussed is KLRC2; the disease is lymphoma.