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Updated: Aug 31, 2025

Establishment of Epstein-Barr Virus Growth-transformed Lymphoblastoid Cell Lines
Published on: November 8, 2011
EBV-positive nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma: a single institution experience
Fei Fei1, Kala Gnanasekaran Kiruthiga2, Sheren Younes1
1Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
Insights
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) is rare and can be challenging to diagnose due to atypical features. Strong CD20 and OCT2 expression in LP cells supports the diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Virology
Background:
- Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) is a distinct subtype of Hodgkin lymphoma.
- The role of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in NLPHL pathogenesis is not fully understood.
- Characterizing EBV-positive NLPHL is crucial for accurate diagnosis and understanding disease biology.
Observation:
- This study analyzed 17 cases of EBV-positive NLPHL.
- EBV was detected in lymphocyte predominant (LP) cells in 6 cases and background cells in others.
- LP cells showed strong CD20 and OCT2 expression, but variable PAX5 and CD79a.
- Partial CD30 expression was observed in some cases.
Findings:
- EBV-positive NLPHL is a rare entity.
- Atypical immunophenotypic features, including variable PAX5/CD79a and partial CD30 expression, can complicate diagnosis.
- Retention of B-cell phenotype markers (CD20, OCT2) is key for diagnosis.
- A case of recurrent EBV-positive NLPHL with NF-kB pathway involvement was noted.
Implications:
- Accurate identification of EBV-positive NLPHL is essential for appropriate patient management.
- Understanding the diagnostic challenges can improve diagnostic accuracy.
- Further research into the role of EBV in NLPHL may reveal therapeutic targets.
Abstract:
The objective of this study is to characterize the clinicopathologic features of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) at a single institution. A retrospective review of cases diagnosed with EBV-positive NLPHL was performed and the patients' demographic and pathologic features were collected by chart review. In this study, we identified 17 EBV-positive NLPHL patients whose clinicopathologic features are characterized. EBV was positive in lymphocyte predominant (LP) cells in 6 of 17 cases, whereas the remaining cases showed EBV positivity in background small cells. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that LP cells were positive for CD20 (94.1%) in most cases and positive for OCT2 (100%) in all cases with one case showing weak OCT2 expression, whereas PAX5 and CD79a were weak and/or variable in 9 of 12 and 3 of 7 cases, respectively. CD30 was positive in 7 of 17 cases with 5 cases showing only scattered positive cells. In addition, we report a patient who had a history of EBV-negative NLPHL and showed EBV-positive NLPHL at the time of recurrence. Molecular studies performed on the 2 biopsies in the patient indicated EBV infection involving the NF-kB pathway. Our study shows that EBV-positive NLPHL is rare and may be diagnostically challenging because of atypical immunophenotypic features, such as partial expression of CD30, and weak/variable PAX5 and/or CD79a expression. The overall retention of the B-cell phenotype with strong and diffuse expression of CD20 and OCT2 in LP cells supports the diagnosis of EBV-positive NLPHL.
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