Immunohistology of Epstein-Barr virus-associated antigens in B cell disorders from immunocompromised individuals.
Proliferating B cell lesions developing in a series of immunosuppressed organ transplant recipients and patients with X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome were examined for Epstein-Barr virus and cellular gene expression using immunocytochemistry and immunoblotting techniques. Results indicate that all the lesions examined from the patients in this series expressed Epstein-Barr virus gene products that were consistent with a latent, nonproductive type of infection. No lytic cycle antigens associated with productive viral infection were detected. This pattern is similar to the viral gene expression in normal B cells immortalized by Epstein-Barr virus in vitro. The demonstration in this study of Epstein-Barr virus viral gene expression in posttransplant and X-linked proliferative syndrome B cell disorders provides important new evidence for the primary role of Epstein-Barr virus in the development of these lesions. This is in contrast to the subsidiary role that the Epstein-Barr virus has in the etiology of Burkitt's lymphoma.
Thomas
J A
JA
Histopathology Unit, Imperial Cancer Research Fund, London, United Kingdom.
Hotchin
N A
NA
Allday
M J
MJ
Amlot
P
P
Rose
M
M
Yacoub
M
M
Crawford
D H
DH
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000944:Antigens, Differentiation, B-Lymphocyte / Q000032:analysis; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000382:microbiology*; D015153:Blotting, Western; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000032:analysis; D015870:Gene Expression; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D015451:Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D008232:Lymphoproliferative Disorders / Q000235:genetics / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000944:Antigens, Differentiation, B-Lymphocyte; D000956:Antigens, Viral; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules