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Torne AS, Robertson ES. Epigenetic Mechanisms in Latent Epstein-Barr Virus Infection and Associated Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:991. [PMID: 38473352 PMCID: PMC10931536 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is a double-stranded DNA-based human tumor virus that was first isolated in 1964 from lymphoma biopsies. Since its initial discovery, EBV has been identified as a major contributor to numerous cancers and chronic autoimmune disorders. The virus is particularly efficient at infecting B-cells but can also infect epithelial cells, utilizing an array of epigenetic strategies to establish long-term latent infection. The association with histone modifications, alteration of DNA methylation patterns in host and viral genomes, and microRNA targeting of host cell factors are core epigenetic strategies that drive interactions between host and virus, which are necessary for viral persistence and progression of EBV-associated diseases. Therefore, understanding epigenetic regulation and its role in post-entry viral dynamics is an elusive area of EBV research. Here, we present current outlooks of EBV epigenetic regulation as it pertains to viral interactions with its host during latent infection and its propensity to induce tumorigenesis. We review the important epigenetic regulators of EBV latency and explore how the strategies involved during latent infection drive differential epigenetic profiles and host-virus interactions in EBV-associated cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erle S. Robertson
- Tumor Virology Program, Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
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Costa RDO, Pereira J, Lage LADPC, Baiocchi OCG. Extranodal NK-/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type: what advances have been made in the last decade? Front Oncol 2023; 13:1175545. [PMID: 37529691 PMCID: PMC10388588 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1175545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Extranodal NK-/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTCL) is a rare and highly aggressive malignancy with significant racial and geographic variations worldwide. In addition to the formerly "nasal-type" initial description, these lymphomas are predominantly extranodal in origin and typically cause vascular damage and tissue destruction, and although not fully understood, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has an important role in its pathogenesis. Initial assessment must include a hematopathology review of representative and viable tumor areas without necrosis for adequate immunohistochemistry studies, including EBV-encoded small RNA (EBER) in situ hybridization (ISH). Positron emission tomography with 18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG-PET/CT) for accurate staging is essential, and most patients will have localized disease (IE/IIE) at diagnosis. Apart from other T-cell malignancies, the best treatment even for localized cases is combined modality therapy (chemotherapy plus radiotherapy) with non-anthracycline-based regimens. For advanced-stage disease, l-asparaginase-containing regimens have shown improved survival, but relapsed and refractory cases have very poor outcomes. Nowadays, even with a better understanding of pathogenic pathways, up-front therapy is completely based on chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and treatment-related mortality is not low. Future strategies targeting signaling pathways and immunotherapy are evolving, but we need to better identify those patients with dismal outcomes in a pre-emptive way. Given the rarity of the disease, international collaborations are urgently needed, and clinical trials are the way to change the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata de Oliveira Costa
- Department of Hematology, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas de Santos (FCMS), Centro Universitário Lusíadas (Unilus), Santos, São Paulo, Brazil
- Hospital Alemao Osvaldo Cruz (HAOC), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliana Pereira
- Hospital Alemao Osvaldo Cruz (HAOC), São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Hematology, Hemotherapy and Cell Therapy, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Sao Paulo (FM-USP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Pathogenesis and Directed Therapy in Onco-Immuno-Hematology (LIM-31), University of Sao Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luís Alberto de Pádua Covas Lage
- Department of Hematology, Hemotherapy and Cell Therapy, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Sao Paulo (FM-USP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Pathogenesis and Directed Therapy in Onco-Immuno-Hematology (LIM-31), University of Sao Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Otávio César Guimarães Baiocchi
- Hospital Alemao Osvaldo Cruz (HAOC), São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Hematology, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo (Unifesp), São Paulo, Brazil
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Ross AM, Leahy CI, Neylon F, Steigerova J, Flodr P, Navratilova M, Urbankova H, Vrzalikova K, Mundo L, Lazzi S, Leoncini L, Pugh M, Murray PG. Epstein-Barr Virus and the Pathogenesis of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:521. [PMID: 36836878 PMCID: PMC9967091 DOI: 10.3390/life13020521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), defined as a group I carcinogen by the World Health Organization (WHO), is present in the tumour cells of patients with different forms of B-cell lymphoma, including Burkitt lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders, and, most recently, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Understanding how EBV contributes to the development of these different types of B-cell lymphoma has not only provided fundamental insights into the underlying mechanisms of viral oncogenesis, but has also highlighted potential new therapeutic opportunities. In this review, we describe the effects of EBV infection in normal B-cells and we address the germinal centre model of infection and how this can lead to lymphoma in some instances. We then explore the recent reclassification of EBV+ DLBCL as an established entity in the WHO fifth edition and ICC 2022 classifications, emphasising the unique nature of this entity. To that end, we also explore the unique genetic background of this entity and briefly discuss the potential role of the tumour microenvironment in lymphomagenesis and disease progression. Despite the recent progress in elucidating the mechanisms of this malignancy, much work remains to be done to improve patient stratification, treatment strategies, and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisling M. Ross
- Health Research Institute and School of Medicine, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
- BioScience and BioEngineering Research (BioSciBer), Bernal BioMaterials Cluster, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Ciara I. Leahy
- Health Research Institute and School of Medicine, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
- BioScience and BioEngineering Research (BioSciBer), Bernal BioMaterials Cluster, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Fiona Neylon
- Health Research Institute and School of Medicine, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
- BioScience and BioEngineering Research (BioSciBer), Bernal BioMaterials Cluster, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Jana Steigerova
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olmouc, 775 15 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Patrik Flodr
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olmouc, 775 15 Olomouc, Czech Republic
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Olomouc, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Navratilova
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olmouc, 775 15 Olomouc, Czech Republic
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Olomouc, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Helena Urbankova
- Department of Hemato-Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky Univesity and University Hospital Olomouc, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Katerina Vrzalikova
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Lucia Mundo
- Health Research Institute and School of Medicine, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Section of Pathology, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Stefano Lazzi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Section of Pathology, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Leoncini
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Section of Pathology, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Matthew Pugh
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Paul G. Murray
- Health Research Institute and School of Medicine, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olmouc, 775 15 Olomouc, Czech Republic
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Skalsky RL. MicroRNA-mediated control of Epstein-Barr virus infection and potential diagnostic and therapeutic implications. Curr Opin Virol 2022; 56:101272. [PMID: 36242893 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2022.101272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Herpesviruses, such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), encode multiple viral microRNAs that are expressed throughout various infection stages. While much progress has been made in evaluating both the viral and host microRNAs (miRNAs) that are detected during infection as well as elucidating their molecular targets in vitro, our understanding of their contributions to pathogenesis in vivo, viral oncogenesis, and clinical implications for these small molecules remains limited. miRNAs are widely recognized as key regulators of global cellular processes, including apoptosis, cell differentiation, and development of immune responses. This review discusses the roles of miRNAs in EBV infection and current advances in miRNA-based diagnostic and therapeutic strategies potentially applicable toward EBV-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Skalsky
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA.
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Shahrear S, Zinnia MA, Ahmed T, Islam ABMMK. Deciphering the role of predicted miRNAs of polyomaviruses in carcinogenesis. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2022; 1868:166537. [PMID: 36089125 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2022.166537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Human polyomaviruses are relatively common in the general population. Polyomaviruses maintain a persistent infection after initial infection in childhood, acting as an opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised populations and their association has been linked to carcinogenesis. A comprehensive understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis in consequence of polyomavirus infection remains elusive. However, the critical role of viral miRNAs and their potential targets in modifying the transcriptome profile of the host remains largely unknown. Polyomavirus-derived miRNAs have the potential to play a substantial role in carcinogenesis. Employing computational approaches, putative viral miRNAs along with their target genes have been predicted and possible roles of the targeted genes in many significant biological processes have been obtained. Polyomaviruses have been observed to target intracellular signal transduction pathways through miRNA-mediated epigenetic regulation, which may contribute to cancer development. In addition, BKPyV-infected human renal cell microarray data was coupled with predicted target genes and analysis of the downregulated genes indicated that viruses target multiple signaling pathways (e.g. MAPK signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, PPAR signaling pathway) in the host as well as turning off several tumor suppression genes (e.g. FGGY, EPHX2, CACNA2D3, CDH16) through miRNA-induced mechanisms, assuring cell transformation. This study provides a conceptual framework for the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in the course of carcinogenesis upon polyomavirus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sazzad Shahrear
- Department of Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Tasnim Ahmed
- Department of Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated neoplasms derived from natural killer (NK) or T cells comprise a group of clinically and biologically heterogenous disorders affecting children and adults, which are overall rare but more prevalent in Asia and South America. This review focuses on neoplasms presenting in the adulthood, addressing recent genomic discoveries as well as therapeutic developments in these highly aggressive disorders. RECENT FINDINGS Distinct molecular subtypes of extranodal NK/T-cell lymphomas (ENKTCLs) have been described, with differences in cell of origin, EBV pattern, genomic alterations, clinical characteristics, response to asparaginase-based therapies and to more recent approaches targeting molecular aberrations of the lymphoma. For the last two decades, progress in the clinical management of ENKTCL was based on L-asapraginase containing combinations and the incoroperation of radiotherapy. A subset of cases with PDL1-2 structural alterations may be more responsive to treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Primary nodal EBV+ lymphomas derived from T or NK cells have distinctive features separating them from both peripheral T-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified and ENKTCL. Treatment algorithms correspond to those for advanced ENKTCL. SUMMARY With better understanding of lymphomagenesis, genomic landscape and immunologic aspects of the diseases, future treatment options will include targeted therapies including immune checkpoint inhibitors and novel antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Kimura
- Department of Virology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Laurence de Leval
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Lausanne University Hospital and Lausanne University, Switzerland
| | - Qingqing Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China, Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Won Seog Kim
- Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
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Malpica L, Marques‐Piubelli ML, Beltran BE, Chavez JC, Miranda RN, Castillo JJ. EBV-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified: 2022 update on diagnosis, risk-stratification, and management. Am J Hematol 2022; 97:951-965. [PMID: 35472248 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.26579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
DISEASE OVERVIEW Epstein Barr virus-positive (EBV+) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), not otherwise specified (NOS) is an entity included in the WHO classification of lymphoid neoplasms since 2016. EBV+ DLBCL, NOS, is an aggressive B-cell lymphoma associated with EBV infection, and a poor prognosis with standard chemotherapeutic approaches. DIAGNOSIS The diagnosis is made through a careful pathological evaluation. Detection of EBV-encoded RNA (EBER) is considered standard for diagnosis; however, a clear cutoff for percentage of positive cells has not been defined. The differential diagnosis includes plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL), DLBCL associated with chronic inflammation, primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), among others. RISK-STRATIFICATION The International Prognostic Index (IPI) and the Oyama score can be used for risk-stratification. The Oyama score includes age >70 years and presence of B symptoms. The expression of CD30 and PD-1/PD-L1 are emerging as potential adverse but targetable biomarkers. MANAGEMENT Patients with EBV+ DLBCL, NOS, should be staged and managed following similar guidelines than patients with EBV-negative DLBCL. EBV+ DLBCL, NOS, however, might have a worse prognosis than EBV-negative DLBCL in the era of chemoimmunotherapy. Therefore, the inclusion of patients in clinical trials when available is recommended. There is an opportunity to study and develop targeted therapy in the management of patients with EBV+ DLBCL, NOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Malpica
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston Texas USA
| | - Mario L. Marques‐Piubelli
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston Texas USA
| | - Brady E. Beltran
- Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy Hospital Nacional Edgardo Rebagliati Martins Lima Peru
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas Universidad Ricardo Palma Lima Peru
| | - Julio C. Chavez
- Department of Malignant Hematology H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute Tampa Florida USA
| | - Roberto N. Miranda
- Department of Hematopathology The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston Texas USA
| | - Jorge J. Castillo
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies, Dana‐Farber Cancer Institute Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts USA
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Wongwiwat W, Fournier B, Bassano I, Bayoumy A, Elgueta Karstegl C, Styles C, Bridges R, Lenoir C, BoutBoul D, Moshous D, Neven B, Kanda T, Morgan RG, White RE, Latour S, Farrell PJ. Epstein-Barr Virus Genome Deletions in Epstein-Barr Virus-Positive T/NK Cell Lymphoproliferative Diseases. J Virol 2022; 96:e0039422. [PMID: 35612313 PMCID: PMC9215254 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00394-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The main target cells for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and persistence are B lymphocytes, although T and NK cells can also become infected. In this paper, we characterize the EBV present in 21 pediatric and adult patients who were treated in France for a range of diseases that involve infection of T or NK cells. Of these 21 cases, 5 pediatric patients (21%) and 11 adult patients (52%) were of Caucasian origin. In about 30% of the cases, some of the EBV genomes contain a large deletion. The deletions are different in every patient but tend to cluster near the BART region of the viral genome. Detailed investigation of a family in which several members have persistent T or NK cell infection by EBV indicates that the virus genome deletions arise or are selected independently in each individual patient. Genome sequence polymorphisms in the EBV in these T or NK cell diseases reflect the geographic origin of the patient and not a distinct type of EBV (the 21 cases studied included examples of both type 1 and type 2 EBV infection). Using virus produced from type 1 or type 2 EBV genomes cloned in bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) vectors, we demonstrate infection of T cells in cord blood from healthy donors. Our results are consistent with transient infection of some T cells being part of normal asymptomatic infection by EBV in young children. IMPORTANCE EBV contributes to several types of human cancer. Some cancers and nonmalignant lymphoproliferative diseases involving T or NK cells contain EBV. These diseases are relatively frequent in Japan and China and have been shown sometimes to have deletions in the EBV genome in the disease cells. We identify further examples of deletions within the EBV genome associated with T or NK cell diseases, and we provide evidence that the virus genomes with these deletions are most likely selected in the individual cases, rather than being transmitted between people during infection. We demonstrate EBV infection of cord blood T cells by highly characterized, cloned EBV genomes and suggest that transient infection of T cells may be part of normal asymptomatic infection by EBV in young children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiyada Wongwiwat
- Section of Virology, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin Fournier
- Laboratory of Lymphocyte Activation and Susceptibility to EBV Infection, INSERM UMR1163, Institut Imagine, Paris, France
- Department of Pediatric Immunology, Hematology, and Rheumatology, Necker-Enfants-Malades Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Irene Bassano
- Section of Virology, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Amr Bayoumy
- Section of Virology, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Claudio Elgueta Karstegl
- Section of Virology, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christine Styles
- Section of Virology, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ray Bridges
- Section of Virology, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christelle Lenoir
- Laboratory of Lymphocyte Activation and Susceptibility to EBV Infection, INSERM UMR1163, Institut Imagine, Paris, France
| | - David BoutBoul
- Université de Paris, Paris, France
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Saint-Louis Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Despina Moshous
- Department of Pediatric Immunology, Hematology, and Rheumatology, Necker-Enfants-Malades Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Bénédicte Neven
- Department of Pediatric Immunology, Hematology, and Rheumatology, Necker-Enfants-Malades Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Teru Kanda
- Division of Microbiology, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Rhys G. Morgan
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Robert E. White
- Section of Virology, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sylvain Latour
- Laboratory of Lymphocyte Activation and Susceptibility to EBV Infection, INSERM UMR1163, Institut Imagine, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Paul J. Farrell
- Section of Virology, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Molecular Basis of Epstein-Barr Virus Latency Establishment and Lytic Reactivation. Viruses 2021; 13:v13122344. [PMID: 34960613 PMCID: PMC8706188 DOI: 10.3390/v13122344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is a causative agent of infectious mononucleosis and several types of cancer. Like other herpesviruses, it establishes an asymptomatic, life-long latent infection, with occasional reactivation and shedding of progeny viruses. During latency, EBV expresses a small number of viral genes, and exists as an episome in the host–cell nucleus. Expression patterns of latency genes are dependent on the cell type, time after infection, and milieu of the cell (e.g., germinal center or peripheral blood). Upon lytic induction, expression of the viral immediate-early genes, BZLF1 and BRLF1, are induced, followed by early gene expression, viral DNA replication, late gene expression, and maturation and egress of progeny virions. Furthermore, EBV reactivation involves more than just progeny production. The EBV life cycle is regulated by signal transduction, transcription factors, promoter sequences, epigenetics, and the 3D structure of the genome. In this article, the molecular basis of EBV latency establishment and reactivation is summarized.
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Münz C. Modification of EBV-Associated Pathologies and Immune Control by Coinfections. Front Oncol 2021; 11:756480. [PMID: 34778072 PMCID: PMC8581224 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.756480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The oncogenic Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) persistently infects more than 95% of the human adult population. Even so it can readily transform human B cells after infection in vitro, it only rarely causes tumors in patients. A substantial proportion of the 1% of all human cancers that are associated with EBV occurs during coinfections, including those with the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and the also oncogenic and closely EBV-related Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). In this review, I will discuss how these infections interact with EBV, modify its immune control, and shape its tumorigenesis. The underlying mechanisms reveal new aspects of EBV-associated pathologies and point toward treatment possibilities for their prevention by the human immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Münz
- Viral Immunobiology, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
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