Epstein-Barr virus receptors on human pharyngeal epithelia.
The apparently strict tropism of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) for B lymphocytes has been attributed to the existence of a B-lineage-specific surface molecule, the C3d receptor, which also functions as a receptor for EBV. Two monoclonal antibodies against different determinants on the EBV/C3d receptor of B cells were shown to react with pharyngeal epithelia in a cell differentiation-dependent manner. These findings, which raise the possibility of direct virus entry into a naturally exposed epithelium, strengthen the evidence in favour of an epithelial reservoir of EBV infection in vivo and identify a means whereby the virus/epithelium interactions leading to nasopharyngeal carcinoma might be initiated.
Young
L S
LS
Clark
D
D
Sixbey
J W
JW
Rickinson
A B
AB
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D010610:Pharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000382:microbiology; D010614:Pharynx / Q000382:microbiology*; D017464:Receptors, Complement 3d; D011991:Receptors, Virus / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D014059:Tongue / Q000382:microbiology
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D017464:Receptors, Complement 3d; D011991:Receptors, Virus