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Immune Modulation by Epstein-Barr Virus Lytic Cycle: Relevance and Implication in Oncogenesis
Nevena Todorović1,2, Maria Raffaella Ambrosio3, Amedeo Amedei1,4
1Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy.
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)
|October 25, 2024
Summary
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) lytic phase, previously underestimated, is increasingly linked to cancer development. This review explores how EBV
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infects over 90% of the global population, establishing lifelong infections.
- EBV infection is associated with various diseases, including lymphomas, carcinomas, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
- The role of the EBV lytic phase in oncogenesis has been historically underestimated but is gaining attention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the contribution of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) lytic phase to the development of EBV-associated cancers.
- To review the current understanding of how EBV lytic cycle mechanisms influence oncogenesis.
- To explore EBV's immune evasion strategies during its lytic infection.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on EBV life cycle, oncogenesis, and immune modulation.
- Analysis of evidence implicating lytic gene expression in cancer cells.
- Synthesis of findings on the persistent stimulation of the immune system by EBV lytic activity.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests the EBV lytic phase plays a significant role in oncogenesis, contrary to previous assumptions.
- Lytic genes are expressed in various cancer types, indicating their involvement in tumor development.
- EBV employs diverse strategies to evade immune responses during its persistent lytic activity.
Conclusions:
- The EBV lytic phase is a critical factor in EBV-driven oncogenesis.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms by which the EBV lytic cycle contributes to cancer.
- Understanding EBV's immune modulation during the lytic phase is key to combating EBV-associated malignancies.
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