Epstein-Barr virus DNA in Reed-Sternberg cells of Hodgkin's disease is frequently associated with CR2 (EBV receptor) expression.
We studied 44 cases of Hodgkin's disease for the presence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA, its localization and the expression of the EBV receptor on the tumour cells. EBV DNA was found in 52% (16/31) of the Hodgkin's lymphomas using the polymerase chain reaction. With a very sensitive non-radioactive DNA in situ hybridization technique in combination with immunohistochemistry for CD 30 or CD 15 antigens, EBV DNA was localized to Reed-Sternberg cells and its mononuclear variants. The relationship between the presence of EBV DNA and the expression of the EBV-receptor CR2 (CD 21) on Reed-Sternberg cells was studied using the same techniques and two different monoclonal anti-CD 21 antibodies. CR2 could be detected on a substantial number of the Reed-Sternberg cells in EBV DNA positive Hodgkin's lymphomas (9/12; 75%), whereas in EBV negative cases positivity with anti-CD 21 was rare (1/13; 8%). The results indicate that CR2 expression on Reed-Sternberg cells and the presence of EBV DNA sequences are frequently associated in Hodgkin's lymphomas.
Jiwa
N M
NM
Department of Pathology, Free University Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Van der Valk
P
P
Mullink
H
H
Vos
W
W
Horstman
A
A
Maurice
M M
MM
Olde-Weghuis
D E
DE
Walboomers
J M
JM
Meijer
C J
CJ
D000944:Antigens, Differentiation, B-Lymphocyte / Q000032:analysis; D001483:Base Sequence; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis*; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D006689:Hodgkin Disease / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009693:Nucleic Acid Hybridization; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011951:Receptors, Complement / Q000032:analysis*; D017464:Receptors, Complement 3d; D011991:Receptors, Virus / Q000032:analysis; D016539:Reed-Sternberg Cells / Q000382:microbiology*; D014412:Tumor Virus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology
D000944:Antigens, Differentiation, B-Lymphocyte; D004279:DNA, Viral; D011951:Receptors, Complement; D017464:Receptors, Complement 3d; D011991:Receptors, Virus