Signaling by the Epstein-Barr virus LMP1 protein induces potent cytotoxic CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cell responses.

ABSTRACT: The B-lymphotropic Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), pandemic in humans, is rapidly controlled on initial infection by T cell surveillance; thereafter, the virus establishes a lifelong latent infection in the host. If surveillance fails, fatal lymphoproliferation and lymphomagenesis ensue. The initial T cell response consists of predominantly CD8⁺ cytotoxic T cells and a smaller expansion of CD4⁺ cells. A major approach to treating EBV-associated lymphomas is adoptive transfer of autologous or allogeneic T cells that are stimulated/expanded on EBV-transformed B cells. Strikingly, the clinical response correlates with the frequency of CD4 cells in the infused T cells. Although in vitro studies suggested that EBV-specific CD4 cells develop cytotoxicity, they have not been compr

SUBMITTER: Choi IK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5789919 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature