The Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein 1 and transforming growth factor--β1 synergistically induce epithelial--mesenchymal transition in lung epithelial cells.

ABSTRACT: The histopathology of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) includes the presence of myofibroblasts within so-called fibroblastic foci, and studies suggest that lung myofibroblasts may be derived from epithelial cells through epithelial--mesenchymal transition (EMT). Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 is expressed and/or activated in fibrogenesis, and induces EMT in lung epithelial cells in a dose-dependent manner. A higher occurrence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been reported in the lung tissue of patients with IPF. EBV expresses latent membrane protein (LMP) 1 during the latent phase of infection, and may play a role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis inasmuch as LMP-1 may act as a constitutively active TNF-α receptor. Our data show a remarkable increase in mesenchymal cell mark

SUBMITTER: Sides MD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3135845 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature