Related Experiment Videos
Epstein-Barr virus entry utilizing HLA-DP or HLA-DQ as a coreceptor.
K M Haan1, W W Kwok, R Longnecker
1Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA.
Journal of Virology
|February 9, 2000
Summary
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) uses CD21 for B cell attachment. HLA-DR, HLA-DP, or HLA-DQ can act as coreceptors for EBV entry, enabling viral infection.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infects B lymphocytes.
- EBV entry involves viral glycoproteins and cellular receptors.
- CD21 mediates EBV attachment, while HLA-DR is crucial for membrane fusion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of HLA class II molecules in EBV infection.
- To determine if HLA-DP or HLA-DQ can substitute for HLA-DR in EBV entry.
Main Methods:
- Utilized recombinant EBV expressing green fluorescent protein.
- Employed cell lines with varying expression of CD21 and HLA class II molecules.
- Assessed EBV infection susceptibility based on surface receptor expression.
Main Results:
- Cells expressing CD21 but lacking HLA class II were resistant to EBV infection.
- Surface expression of HLA-DR, HLA-DP, or HLA-DQ rendered CD21-expressing cells susceptible to EBV.
- HLA-DP and HLA-DQ demonstrated coreceptor function in EBV entry.
Conclusions:
- HLA class II molecules are essential coreceptors for EBV entry into B lymphocytes.
- HLA-DP and HLA-DQ can functionally substitute for HLA-DR in mediating EBV infection.
- This finding expands our understanding of EBV tropism and potential therapeutic targets.