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Updated: Nov 5, 2025
Separation of Immune Cell Subpopulations in Peripheral Blood Samples from Children with Infectious Mononucleosis
Published on: September 7, 2022
Immunity to EBV as revealed by immunedeficiencies.
Benjamin Fournier1, Sylvain Latour2
1Laboratory of Lymphocyte Activation and Susceptibility to EBV Infection, INSERM UMR 1163, Imagine Institute, Paris, France; Université de Paris, F75006 Paris, France; Department of Pediatric Immunology, Hematology and Rheumatology, Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France.
Severe Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infections in patients with inborn errors of immunity (IEIs) reveal key immune responses. Studies focus on atypical EBV infections in T, NK, and smooth muscle cells, not just B cells.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Genetics
Background:
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a common human herpesvirus causing latent infections.
- Inborn errors of immunity (IEIs), or primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs), can lead to severe and chronic EBV infections.
- Studying these IEIs offers insights into immune control mechanisms against EBV.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in understanding the immune response to EBV.
- To highlight the role of IEIs in dissecting EBV immunity.
- To focus on atypical EBV tropism beyond B cells.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on IEIs and EBV infections.
- Analysis of molecular and cellular pathways involved in EBV control.
- Examination of atypical EBV cellular targets.
Main Results:
- IEIs provide unique models for studying EBV immune evasion and control.
- Specific molecular and cellular defects underlie susceptibility to severe EBV.
- Atypical EBV infections involve T cells, NK cells, and smooth muscle cells.
Conclusions:
- Inborn errors of immunity are crucial for understanding EBV pathogenesis.
- Deciphering atypical EBV tropism is essential for a complete picture of immune surveillance.
- Further research into IEI-associated EBV infections can reveal novel therapeutic targets.
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