Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026
09:14
Isolation and Quantification of Epstein-Barr Virus from the P3HR1 Cell Line
Published on: September 28, 2022
Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein 2A and autoimmunity
Michelle Swanson-Mungerson1, Richard Longnecker
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
Trends in Immunology
|April 3, 2007
Summary
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) protein LMP2A may promote autoimmune diseases by enabling B cells to bypass tolerance checkpoints. This finding offers a new model for studying EBV-associated autoimmunity and developing treatments.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Autoimmunity
Background:
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is linked to autoimmune diseases, but mechanisms are unclear.
- Current hypotheses involve EBV proteins cross-reacting with human proteins.
- Recent research suggests a novel role for EBV-encoded latent membrane protein 2A (LMP2A).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of EBV-encoded LMP2A in autoimmune disease development.
- To explore how LMP2A might bypass normal immune tolerance checkpoints.
- To establish a framework for testing EBV's contribution to autoimmunity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized transgenic mouse models.
- Studied B cells expressing the EBV-encoded protein LMP2A.
- Observed the impact on immune tolerance and autoimmune disease development.
Main Results:
- B cells expressing EBV's LMP2A bypassed normal immune tolerance checkpoints.
- LMP2A expression enhanced the development of autoimmune diseases in mouse models.
- Transgenic mouse models provide evidence supporting LMP2A's role in autoimmunity.
Conclusions:
- A novel paradigm suggests EBV's LMP2A promotes autoimmune development by disrupting tolerance.
- This model facilitates research into EBV-driven autoimmunity mechanisms.
- Findings may lead to strategies for treating EBV-associated autoimmune diseases.
More Related Videos
09:43An Efficient and Simple Method to Establish NK and T Cell Lines from Patients with Chronic Active Epstein-Barr Virus Infection
Published on: March 30, 2018
08:44Separation of Immune Cell Subpopulations in Peripheral Blood Samples from Children with Infectious Mononucleosis
Published on: September 7, 2022
Related Concept Videos
01:29Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune diseases are a group of disorders in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells, tissues, and organs. This results from an overactive immune response against substances and tissues normally present in the body. Let's delve into the concept and mechanism of autoimmune diseases from an immune system point of view, explore different causes and examples of such diseases, and discuss potential solutions.
Concept and Mechanism of Autoimmune Diseases
The immune system...
Concept and Mechanism of Autoimmune Diseases
The immune system...
01:26Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Type 1 diabetes mellitus arises from an immune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β-cells, resulting in an absolute deficiency of insulin. This process develops in genetically susceptible individuals when autoimmunity, environmental exposures, and immunologic dysregulation converge to trigger a targeted attack on the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. The β-cells are located within the islets of Langerhans and are essential for regulating blood glucose by facilitating cellular uptake of...
01:17Gastritis-II: Pathophysiology
Gastritis is marked by disruption of the mucosal barrier that usually protects the stomach tissue from digestive juices and manifests in acute and chronic forms.
In acute gastritis, the gastric mucosa becomes swollen and red and undergoes superficial erosion. Superficial ulceration may lead to bleeding.
In chronic gastritis, persistent or repeated insults lead to chronic inflammatory changes and, eventually, thinning or atrophy of the gastric tissue.
Gastritis can stem from various causes, each...
In acute gastritis, the gastric mucosa becomes swollen and red and undergoes superficial erosion. Superficial ulceration may lead to bleeding.
In chronic gastritis, persistent or repeated insults lead to chronic inflammatory changes and, eventually, thinning or atrophy of the gastric tissue.
Gastritis can stem from various causes, each...
01:26Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
01:26Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity
An antigen is any substance the immune system identifies as foreign and potentially harmful to the body, prompting an immune response. Antigens have two functional properties: immunogenicity and reactivity. Immunogenicity is the ability of an antigen to stimulate a specific immune response. At the same time, reactivity describes the antigen's ability to react with the cells and antibodies produced in response to it.
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.
01:19Encephalitis l: Introduction
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...