Immunization of common marmosets with Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) envelope glycoprotein gp340: Effect on viral shedding following EBV challenge

Abstract

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), the cause of infectious mononucleosis, is involved in the pathogenesis of several human cancers, the highest frequency of association being found in undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma and endemic Burkitt's lymphoma. The development of animal models in which potential vaccines can be tested is important. EBV infection of the common marmoset, using the M81 strain originally derived from a patient with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, induces a carrier state in this animal. Persistent infection is characterized by the production of antibodies to viral antigens, and the secretion of EBV DNA into buccal fluids. Following immunization with envelope glycoprotein gp340 derived from a bovine papilloma virus expression vector, prior to EBV infection, viral DNA was detected significantly less frequently in the buccal fluids of immunized, than of nonimmunized, infected animals, indicating that although the carrier state had not been abolished, it had been altered. A reduction in virus load was also observed when offspring of seronegative, and on occasion seropositive, parents were immunized neonatally, before EBV challenge.

Antibody Evasion by a Gammaherpesvirus O-Glycan Shield

“…EBV remains infectious despite the presence of anti-gp350 antibodies in serum and saliva [52]–[55]. Moreover immunization with gp350 fails to reduce either infection rates or virus shedding [27]–[28]. Therefore, we still have much to learn about the interplay between gp350, gp350-specific antibodies and EBV host entry.…”

“…Epithelial infection can even be enhanced by gp350-specific antibodies [26]. Therefore the relationship between EBV transmission, gp350, and gp350-specific antibodies needs further exploration, particularly as gp350 is a candidate EBV vaccine [27]–[28].…”

Epstein Barr Virus and Autoimmune Responses in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

“…Non-human primates are infected naturally with EBV-related herpesviruses, or lymphocryptoviruses (LCV), and are therefore considered as models for EBV infection [reviewed in ( 77 )]. A primary EBV infection can be established in healthy New Zealand white rabbits, and EBV can also infect Owl monkey and marmosets ( 78 – 80 ). These animal models may prove to be useful for understanding role of EBV in malignancies.…”

Characterization of an Epstein–Barr virus-related gammaherpesvirus from common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

“…There have been several studies of EBV infection of common marmosets (Cox et al ., 1996 , 1998 ; Emini et al , 1986 ; Farrell et al ., 1997 ; Mackett et al ., 1996 ; Wedderburn et al ., 1984 ). The present results suggest the possibility that some of the findings of previous studies may have been confounded by the presence of an unrecognized endogenous gammaherpesvirus in the common marmoset population.…”

“…Following EBV infection of common marmosets, EBV-associated tumours have been reported in some studies (Falk et al ., 1976 ) but not in others (Ablashi et al ., 1978 ). Several studies suggest the utility of this animal model for the development of EBV vaccines (Cox et al ., 1996 , 1998 ; Mackett et al , 1996 ; Wedderburn et al ., 1984 ), although difficulties have been encountered in the serological assessments of EBV infection.…”