Burkitt's lymphoma: the Rosetta Stone deciphering Epstein-Barr virus biology.
Epstein-Barr virus was originally identified in the tumour cells of a Burkitt's lymphoma, and was the first virus to be associated with the pathogenesis of a human cancer. Studies on the relationship of EBV with Burkitt's lymphoma have revealed important general principles that are relevant to other virus-associated cancers. In addition, the impact of such studies on the knowledge of EBV biology has been enormous. Here, we review some of the key historical observations arising from studies on Burkitt's lymphoma that have informed our understanding of EBV, and we summarise the current hypotheses regarding the role of EBV in the pathogenesis of Burkitt's lymphoma.
Rowe
Martin
M
Institute for Cancer Studies, School of Cancer Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK. m.rowe@bham.ac.uk
Kelly
Gemma L
GL
Bell
Andrew I
AI
Rickinson
Alan B
AB
D000818:Animals; D002051:Burkitt Lymphoma / Q000821:virology*; D020031:Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / Q000821:virology*; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D006801:Humans