The biology of Epstein-Barr virus in post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease.
Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) is a B cell proliferative disorder that is associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), an ubiquitous herpesvirus. EBV-seronegative organ transplant recipients are at highest risk. EBV infection in PTLD lesions exists in a latent rather than lytic state, making tumor regression in response to antiviral agents unlikely. Viral latency proteins drive proliferation of T cells but also allow T cells to target PTLD lesions for destruction. Augmentation of the cellular immune response via the infusion of EBV-specific cytotoxic T cells has yielded promising results in the prevention and treatment of PTLD in bone marrow transplant recipients. Efforts to extend this strategy to solid organ transplant recipients are ongoing.
Hsieh
W S
WS
Johns Hopkins Oncology Center, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, USA.
Lemas
M V
MV
Ambinder
R F
RF
D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000821:virology; D020031:Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008232:Lymphoproliferative Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000821:virology*; D016377:Organ Transplantation; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000821:virology; D017735:Virus Latency