The biology of Epstein-Barr virus: lessons learned from the virus and the host.
Recent studies indicate that a large proportion of cytotoxic T cells are directed towards the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) during both acute infection and convalescence. The virus, in turn, has usurped cellular pathways to promote proliferation of infected cells and has pirated cellular genes into its genome to modulate the immune system to allow lifelong infection of humans. Analysis of the immune response to the virus is leading to novel therapies for EBV-associated malignancies, including the use of virus-specific cytotoxic T cell infusions.
Cohen
J I
JI
Medical Virology Section, Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, Building 10, Room 11N214, National Institutes of Health Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. jcohen@niaid.nih.gov
D000818:Animals; D017951:Antigen Presentation; D017209:Apoptosis; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000502:physiology; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D013602:T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / Q000276:immunology; D017735:Virus Latency
D016207:Cytokines