Epstein-Barr virus and the B cell: a secret romance

Trends Microbiol. 2003 Jun;11(6):243-5. doi: 10.1016/s0966-842x(03)00121-5.

Abstract

Infection by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in immunocompetent individuals seems mainly confined to antigen-experienced memory B cells. However, a recent report shows that EBV(+) post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease might arise not only from memory B cells but also from nai;ve and germinal center (GC) B cells. Intriguingly, some of the EBV-positive B-cell clones seem to carry non-functional Ig-V-region genes as a result of deleterious somatic mutations acquired during the GC reaction. Given that such GC B cells are destined to die by apoptosis in the absence of EBV, these findings suggest that transformation by EBV might bypass negative selection of B cells within GCs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • B-Lymphocytes / virology*
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / immunology*
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / virology
  • Gene Rearrangement, B-Lymphocyte
  • Germinal Center / immunology
  • Germinal Center / virology
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / immunology*
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / virology
  • Models, Immunological
  • Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell / metabolism

Substances

  • Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell