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Overview of Epstein-Barr virus-associated diseases in Japan
1Department of Pediatrics, Kochi Medical School, Kohasu, Oko-cho, Nankoku, Kochi 783-8505, Japan. wakiguti/KMS@kochi-ms.ac.jp
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This review covers Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) diseases in Japan, from common infant infections to severe conditions like SCAEBV and cancers. It highlights EBV
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a widespread human herpesvirus.
- EBV infections manifest in various clinical forms, particularly in Japan.
- Understanding EBV's role in disease is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review EBV-associated diseases studied in Japan.
- To detail the spectrum of EBV-related conditions, including infections and malignancies.
- To summarize current knowledge on EBV-infected cell types in disease.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of EBV-associated diseases and studies in Japan.
- Analysis of clinical presentations and associated conditions.
- Identification of EBV-infected cell types in pathological contexts.
Main Results:
- Infectious mononucleosis is common in Japanese infants.
- Severe chronic active EBV-infection (SCAEBV), EBV-hemophagocytic syndrome, and GLPD are significant concerns.
- EBV is linked to ALPS, XLP, PTLD, gastric, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
- EBV infects B-cells, T-cells, NK-cells, and epithelial cells.
Conclusions:
- EBV causes a wide range of diseases in Japan, from benign to life-threatening.
- Early EBV exposure can predispose to lymphoproliferative disorders.
- EBV's association with cancers warrants further investigation.
- Clarification of EBV-infected cells aids in understanding pathogenesis.
Abstract:
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) associated diseases and studies performed in Japan are reviewed. Infectious mononucleosis is a common disease in Japanese infants. Chronic and severe EBV-infections include severe chronic active EBV-infection (SCAEBV), EBV-associated hemophagocytic syndrome, and mosquito allergy with granular lymphocyte proliferative disorder (GLPD). Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS), a disease caused by a defect in the Fas-Fas ligand pathway of cell-death, may develop into lymphoproliferative disease after early exposure to EBV. More than ten cases of X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome (XLP) were discovered in Japanese children, and the frequency of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) increased after the number of patients receiving organ transplantation increased. Recently, an association of EBV with gastric carcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma has been suggested. EBV-infected cells, such as B-cells, T-cells, NK-cells, and epithelial cells in EBV-associated diseases have also been clarified.