Epstein-Barr Virus and Its Interaction with the Host

Abstract

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) as a member of the herpesvirus family persists lifelong in the human body and causes diseases associated with virus replication (infectious mononucleosis, oral hairy leukoplakia) as well as neoplastic conditions such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma, B-cell lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease associated with viral latency. This complex biology relates to a highly regulated control of the persisting virus. Still, EBV is lytically produced in certain compartments of the human body. Epithelial cells were found to be of key importance for this. Various routes (cell fusion, IgA receptor-mediated uptake) were described for EBV to enter epithelial cells in the absence of CR2 receptor. Viral entry into cells, however, via CR2 receptor fusion or IgA mediated was not found to be sufficient for viral production. The molecular mechanisms for the lack of viral production in most target cells are primarily the presence of silencer activities and the early elimination of cells entering the lytic cycle. Only terminally differentiated epithelial cells are capable of supporting an efficient lytic cycle of EBV replication. EBV-mediated suppression of apoptosis as well as down-regulation of cellular and viral gene products, such as HLA molecules, which mediate recognition by the immune system, are important contributing factors to the development of these neoplasias where viral genes, possibly via interaction with anti-oncogenes, such as p53, in context with genetic and environmental factors play a key role. Novel diagnostic tools and a vaccine have been developed which could help to control EBV-related diseases.

High levels of Epstein–Barr virus in COPD

“…The quantitative molecular amplification described herein is now regarded as the gold standard for detecting replicating virus [25]. EBV can infect subjects resulting in acute, persistent and latent viral infections [26]. The EBV BCRF-1 protein is very similar to human interleukin-10, which has anti-inflammatory actions.…”

Association between Epstein-Barr Virus Infection and Chemoresistance to Docetaxel in Gastric Carcinoma

“…Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with human cancers such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma, Burkitt's lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and gastric carcinoma (GC) (Rickinson and Kieff, 2001;Wolf et al, 1993). EBV shows three distinct latency types depending on the expression of EBV latent genes.…”

Appearance of a different clone of Epstein–Barr virus genome in recurrent tumor of pyothorax-associated lymphoma (PAL) and a mini-review of PAL

“…[3][4][5] EBV is identified as an etiological agent of African type of Burkitt's lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma in southern China. 6 Latent infection genes of EBV including EBNAs and LMPs are expressed in latently infected and immortalized B cells. 7 EBV infection such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in immunocompromised patients or allograft recipients receiving immunosuppressive therapy evoke polyclonal B cell proliferative disorders, frequently resulting in monoclonal malignant lymphomas.…”