[High inducibility of Epstein-Barr virus replication in B lymphocytes in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease].
OBJECTIVE
The role of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation in the pathogenesis of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease was examined.


METHODS
Using B lymphocytes obtained from 8 patients with VKH disease and 10 patients with other types of uveitis, immortarized lymphoblast lines were established and infected with EBV. The degree of EBV activation in each lymphoblast line, in the presence and absence of various stimuli, was assessed by measuring the expression of 3 different antigens involved in replication by immunofluorescent staining and western blot analysis. Quantification of EBV DNA in cell culture supernatants was done by polymerase chain reaction.


RESULTS
Cell lines established from VKH patients expressed more viral antigens that those established from patients with other types of uveitis. There were greater amounts of EBV DNA in the VKH cell lines.


CONCLUSIONS
B lymphocytes from VKH patients may be more susceptible to EBV activation, and the reactivation of EBV may be involved in the pathogenesis of VKH.
Minoda
H
H
Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Medical University, Japan.
Sakai
J
J
Sugiura
M
M
Imai
S
S
Osato
T
T
Usui
M
M
D000328:Adult; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000821:virology*; D002460:Cell Line; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000254:growth & development*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008875:Middle Aged; D014607:Uveomeningoencephalitic Syndrome / Q000821:virology*; D014779:Virus Replication
D004279:DNA, Viral