Expression of Epstein–Barr Virus Transformation–Associated Genes in Tissues of Patients with EBV Lymphoproliferative Disease

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) has been associated with serious or fatal lymphoproliferative disease in immunocompromised patients. EBV nuclear protein 2 and latent membrane protein are characteristically expressed in B lymphocytes proliferating in vitro in response to growth transformation by EBV. These two proteins are thought to be effectors of lymphocyte growth since they increase the expression of B-lymphocyte activation (CD23) and cell-adhesion (LFA 3 and ICAM 1) molecules in vitro. Using monoclonal antibody–immune microscopy, we have demonstrated that these two EBV proteins and their associated B-lymphocyte activation or adhesion molecules are expressed in the infiltrating B lymphocytes in immunocompromised patients with EBV lymphoproliferative disease.