Epstein-Barr virus in the pathogenesis of NPC.
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is consistently detected in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) from regions of high and low incidence. EBV DNA within the tumor is homogeneous with regard to the number of terminal repeats. The detection of a single form of viral DNA suggests that the tumors are clonal proliferations of a single cell that was initially infected with EBV. Specific EBV genes are consistently expressed within the NPC tumors and in early, dysplastic lesions. The viral proteins, latent membrane protein 1 and 2, have profound effects on cellular gene expression and cellular growth, resulting in the highly invasive, malignant growth of NPC tumors. In addition to potential genetic changes, the establishment of a latent, transforming infection in epithelial cells is likely to be a major contributing factor to the development of this tumor.
Raab-Traub
Nancy
N
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina CB#729, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7297, USA. nrt@med.unc.edu
D020031:Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / Q000150:complications*; D019309:Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigens / Q000235:genetics; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D009303:Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology* / Q000821:virology; D014763:Viral Matrix Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D014764:Viral Proteins
C402641:EBNA-2 protein, Human herpesvirus 4; C037662:EBV-associated membrane antigen, Epstein-Barr virus; D019309:Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigens; D014763:Viral Matrix Proteins; D014764:Viral Proteins; C417029:EBV-encoded nuclear antigen 1