NIH conference. Epstein-Barr virus infections: biology, pathogenesis, and management.
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) encodes genes that ensure its persistence in human B lymphocytes. Some of the genes encourage B-cell proliferation; others are poised to evade or defeat immune recognition. Immune restraints on the virus, however, are typically so effective that most infections are never symptomatic. In contrast, acute infectious mononucleosis, a self-limited lymphoproliferative illness, is common in adolescents and young adults. Unbridled proliferative illnesses arise when cellular immunity is grossly defective. Treatment of EBV-associated syndromes is largely supportive. Antiviral drugs have no proven role except in patients with oral hairy leukoplakia. Vaccine development is technically feasible but is not considered a high priority for developed nations.
Medical Virology Section, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892.
S E
SE
Straus
J I
JI
Cohen
G
G
Tosato
J
J
Meier
D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000382:microbiology; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; D002472:Cell Transformation, Viral; D006566:Herpesviridae Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007244:Infectious Mononucleosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D008232:Lymphoproliferative Disorders / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology