Epstein-Barr Virus-Infected Plasma Cells Infiltrate Erosive Oral Lichen Planus

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Virology
• Oral Pathology

Background:

• Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is linked to inflammatory diseases.
• Oral lichen planus (OLP) is an autoimmune-like oral condition with unknown causes and potential for malignancy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence and role of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in oral lichen planus (OLP) pathogenesis.
• To determine the type of cells infected by EBV within OLP lesions and their relationship with disease activity.

Main Methods:

• In situ hybridization to detect EBV-encoded RNAs in 99 OLP samples.
• Immunohistochemistry to identify EBV-infected cell types (n=21).
• Electron microscopy to assess viral particle production.

Main Results:

• EBV was detected in 74% of OLP cases, with higher prevalence in erosive OLP (83%).
• EBV-infected cells, primarily plasma cells (PCs), were abundant in OLP and correlated with inflammatory markers.
• EBV+ PCs in OLP lesions showed increased expression of IL-1β and IL-8 and actively produced EBV particles.

Conclusions:

• Oral lichen planus frequently harbors Epstein-Barr virus, predominantly within plasma cells.
• EBV-infected plasma cells contribute to the inflammatory profile of OLP, suggesting a role in disease pathogenesis.
• The findings add a new dimension to understanding OLP etiology and the role of plasma cells in autoimmune-like diseases.