HMG CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) to treat Epstein-Barr virus-driven lymphoma.
While statins have been highly effective for lowering serum cholesterol and reducing the incidence of coronary events, they have multiple other effects. Certain statins block the interaction of adhesion molecules that are important for cell-cell interactions including those between EBV-transformed B cells. These same statins inhibit NF-kappaB activation in the cells and induce apoptosis of transformed B cells. Studies in severe combined immunodeficiency mice show that simvastatin delays the development of EBV-lymphomas in these animals. These statins might be considered for the treatment of EBV-lymphomas in selected patients.
Cohen
J I
JI
Laboratory of Clinical Infectious Diseases, Medical Virology Section, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bldg. 10; Rm. 11N228, 10 Center Drive, MSC 1888, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. jcohen@niaid.nih.gov
D000818:Animals; D002472:Cell Transformation, Viral; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000821:virology*; D051379:Mice; D019821:Simvastatin
D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D019821:Simvastatin