The expression pattern of Epstein-Barr virus latent genes in vivo is dependent upon the differentiation stage of the infected B cell

Immunity. 2000 Oct;13(4):497-506. doi: 10.1016/s1074-7613(00)00049-2.

Abstract

Epstein-Barr virus-infected B cells in vivo demonstrate three distinct patterns of latent gene expression, depending on the differentiation stage of the cell. Tonsillar naive B cells express the EBNA2-dependent lymphoblastoid phenotype, characteristic of direct infection. Germinal center centroblasts and centrocytes as well as tonsillar memory B cells express a more restricted pattern of latent genes (EBNA1(Q-K)+, LMP1+, LMP2+, EBNA2-) that has only been seen previously in EBV-positive tumors. Peripheral memory cells express an even more restricted pattern where no latent genes are expressed, with the possible exception of LMP2. These results are consistent with a model where EBV uses the normal biology of B lymphocytes to gain access to and persist within the long-lived memory B cell compartment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • B-Lymphocyte Subsets / cytology
  • B-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology
  • B-Lymphocyte Subsets / pathology*
  • B-Lymphocyte Subsets / virology*
  • Cell Differentiation / genetics
  • Cell Differentiation / immunology
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Line, Transformed
  • Cell Separation
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / immunology
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / pathology
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / virology
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigens / biosynthesis
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigens / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Viral / immunology*
  • Genes, Viral / immunology*
  • Germinal Center / cytology
  • Germinal Center / immunology
  • Germinal Center / pathology
  • Germinal Center / virology
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / genetics*
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / immunology*
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / isolation & purification
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Memory / genetics
  • Interphase / immunology
  • Lymphocyte Activation / genetics
  • Palatine Tonsil / cytology
  • Palatine Tonsil / immunology
  • Palatine Tonsil / pathology
  • Palatine Tonsil / virology
  • Transcription, Genetic / immunology
  • Viral Structural Proteins / genetics*
  • Virus Latency / genetics*
  • Virus Latency / immunology*

Substances

  • Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigens
  • Viral Structural Proteins