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Immune surveillance against Epstein-Barr virus
D J Moss1, S R Burrows, R Khanna
1Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Herston, Brisbane, Australia.
Seminars in Immunology
|April 1, 1992
Summary
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) establishes lifelong latent infections in B lymphocytes and epithelial cells. Understanding these host-virus interactions is key to preventing EBV-associated diseases.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) establishes lifelong latent infections in B lymphocytes and permissive associations with oropharyngeal epithelium.
- In healthy carriers, a balance exists between the host and EBV, but perturbations can lead to EBV-associated diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a model for host-EBV relationships in healthy carriers.
- To discuss strategies for developing an EBV vaccine.
Main Methods:
- This review synthesizes current knowledge on EBV latency and host immune responses.
- It focuses on the role of cytotoxic T cells in controlling persistent EBV infection.
Main Results:
- A model for EBV persistence in healthy individuals is presented, highlighting the balance between viral latency and host immune control.
- Cytotoxic T cells recognizing virally determined epitopes are identified as the primary effector mechanism controlling EBV.
Conclusions:
- Maintaining the host-virus equilibrium is crucial for preventing EBV-associated pathologies.
- Developing an EBV vaccine requires consideration of the immune control mechanisms discussed.