Uncovering early events in primary Epstein-Barr virus infection using a rabbit model.

ABSTRACT: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is an oncogenic herpesvirus implicated in the pathogenesis of several malignant and non-malignant conditions. However, a number of fundamental aspects about the biology of EBV and the mechanism(s) by which this virus induces pathology remain unknown. One major obstacle has been the lack of a suitable animal model for EBV infection. In this study, using our recently established rabbit model of EBV infection, we examined the early events following primary EBV infection. We show that, both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed animals were readily susceptible to EBV infection. However, immunosuppressed animals showed marked splenomegaly and widespread infection. Following EBV infection, the virus primarily targeted naïve IgM⁺, CD20⁺, CD21⁺

SUBMITTER: Reguraman N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8551192 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature