Epstein-Barr virus: novel patented therapeutics.
BACKGROUND
Therapeutic strategies against Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and associated cancers are still limited. Due to the primary role of this virus in the pathogenesis of these diseases, molecules interfering with EBV protein functions may represent effective therapeutic tools to treat EBV-associated diseases.


METHODS
Active immunotherapeutic protocols targeting EBV and EBV-associated cancers are reviewed first; then, we reviewed adoptive cellular therapies, innovative pharmacological approaches and other non-conventional therapeutic molecules.


RESULTS
The published literature, in particular patent publications on EBV therapeutic options, has been searched for relevant information. This information has been organized and discussed.


CONCLUSIONS
Many promising therapeutic opportunities are identified. Among these, vaccination protocols and adoptive cellular therapies are the most advanced and reached Phase I/II clinical trials. Pharmacological approaches are at the moment limited to the laboratory phase.
De Paoli
Paolo
P
Scientific Direction, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, IRCCS, via Gallini, 2, 33081 Aviano, Italy. dirscienti@cro.it
D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D020031:Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D016233:Immunotherapy, Active / Q000379:methods; D016219:Immunotherapy, Adoptive / Q000379:methods; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy* / Q000821:virology; D010330:Patents as Topic
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000998:Antiviral Agents