The evolution of Epstein-Barr virus inferred from the conservation and mutation of the virus glycoprotein gp350/220 gene

To study variations of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), we analyzed the gp350/220 gene for several cell lines and Japanese wild isolates using direct sequencing. The N-terminal region was highly conserved in all EBVs except for Jijoye/P3HR-1 and a few isolates. The variation of the region coincided with EBV types A and B (also referred to as types 1 and 2) and were, respectively, designated as the types a and b. The type A/a was detected in most Japanese cell lines and wild isolates, and was classified as China1 type with latent membrane protein (LMP) 1 gene. The type B/b was detected in only a few wild isolates with the Med and China2 types. The C-terminus had more diversity than the N-terminus and lacked the divergence between types A/a and B/b. The phylogenetic analyses of the gp350/220 and LMP1 genes may suggest a mode of EBV evolution into types A/a and B/b and then to LMP1 subtypes.     

Epstein-Barr virus LMP2A utilizes Syk and PI3K to activate NF-κB in B-cell lymphomas to increase MIP-1α production

The incidence of Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) is growing due to an increase in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated HL in AIDS patients. The HL tumor microenvironment is vital for the survival of the malignant Hodgkin-Reed Sternberg (HRS) cells of HL, which express the EBV protein latent membrane protein 2A (LMP2A). While previous work shows that LMP2A mimics B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling to promote the survival of HRS cells, the ability of LMP2A to establish and maintain the tumor microenvironment through the production of chemokines remains unknown. Since BCR signaling induces the production of the chemokine macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α), and since LMP2A is a BCR mimic, we hypothesized that LMP2A increases MIP-1α levels. A comparison of multiple LMP2A-negative and -positive cell lines demonstrates that LMP2A increases MIP-1α. Additionally, LMP2A-mutant cell lines and pharmacologic inhibitors indicate that LMP2A activates a Syk/PI3K/NF-κB pathway to enhance MIP-1α. Finally, based on the finding that an NF-κB inhibitor decreased MIP-1α RNA/protein in LMP2A-positive cells, we are the first to demonstrate that LMP2A increases the nuclear localization of the NF-κB p65 subunit using DNA-binding assays and confocal microscopy in human B cells. These findings not only have implications for the treatment of HL, but also other LMP2A-expressing B-cell tumors that overexpress NF-κB.     

EB病毒蛋白诱导IgG和IgM产生的作用

目的:检测热灭活或紫外线(UV)灭活的EB病毒(EBV)刺激培养的人脐带血B细胞产生IgG和IgM的效应。方法:常规分离人脐带血单个核细胞(UBMC),以L-亮氨酸甲酯去除法,去除单核细胞、NK细胞和细胞毒性T细胞,以2-氨乙基硫脲溴化物(AET)处理绵羊红细胞(SRBC)的花环形成分离法,去除T细胞以获得纯化的B细胞。分别用UV和热灭活的EBV刺激培养的B细胞后,用夹心ELISA法检测培养上清中IgG 和IgM的产生。结果:以UV灭活的EBV刺激培养B细胞后18 d起,IgG和IgM的产生具有意义(P<0.05);而热灭活的EBV刺激后,各时间点均无显著差异(P>0.05)。结论:UV灭活EBV具有诱导IgG和IgM产生的作用,但有明显的时效性,提示EBV诱导IgG和IgM产生,可能是通过病毒的蛋白成分实现的,为进一步验证EBV功能蛋白诱导天然自身抗体(NAA)产生中的作用奠定了基础。     

Sequence Variations of Epstein-Barr Virus LMP2A Gene in Gastric Carcinoma in Japan

The latent EBV gene products expressed in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated gastric carcinoma (EBVaGC), are only LMP2A, EBNA-1, BARF-0 and EBERs. To examine the correlation between LMP2A sequence variation in EBVaGC and transformation of the cells, the complete sequence of the LMP2A gene was determined in three cases of Japanese EBVaGC and compared with the prototype B95-8 strain. In addition, the sequences of exons 2,6 and 7 of LMP2A were determined in four to six EBVaGC cases. The results of sequence analysis indicated that LMP2A of EBVaGC was structurally very similar to B95-8, but contained a significant nucleotide variation. Ten nucleotide substitutions were identified in almost all cases tested, and three of these caused amino acid changes. Of these three, two amino acid substitutions were not expected to change any known functions of LMP2A. The other amino acid substitution from serine to threonine was located at codon 348 within one of the target epitopes of EBV-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. The LMP2A of EBV in peripheral blood lymphocytes from six healthy individuals showed serine (4/6 cases) or threonine (2/6 cases) substitution at codon 348, while LMP2A with the threonine substitution was the major form (5/6 cases) observed in EBVaGC, indicating that EBV with the threonine substitution may confer an advantage for viral persistence in tumor cells. However, our sequencing results suggested that the LMP2A protein in EBVaGC is functionally similar to that of the B95-8 strain and is not unique to gastric carcinoma, indicating the importance of LMP2A for EBV latency.     

The c-Cbl proto-oncoprotein downregulates EBV LMP2A signaling

Latent membrane protein 2A (LMP2A) of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) plays a key role in regulating viral latency and EBV pathogenesis by functionally mimicking signals induced by the B-cell receptor (BCR) altering normal B cell development. As c-Cbl ubiquitin ligase (E3) is a critical negative regulator in the BCR signal pathway, the role of c-Cbl in the function and formation of the LMP2A signalosome was examined. c-Cbl promoted LMP2A degradation through ubiquitination, specifically degraded the Syk protein tyrosine kinase in the presence of LMP2A, and inhibited LMP2A induction of the EBV lytic cycle. Our earlier studies indicated that LMP2A-dependent Lyn degradation was mediated by Nedd4-family E3s in LMP2A expressing cells. Combine with these new findings, we propose a model in which c-Cbl and Nedd4-family E3s cooperate to degrade target proteins at discrete steps in the function of the LMP2A signalosome.     

Genomic analysis of Epstein-Barr virus in nasal and peripheral T-cell lymphoma: A comparison with nasopharyngeal carcinoma in an endemic area

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is prevalent in nasal and peripheral T-cell lymphoma (NPTL) in Taiwan, where nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is endemic. In order to understand the pathogenesis of these two malignancies in this endemic area, genomic analysis of EBV in NPTL with comparison to NPC is important. We investigated the EBV subtype (types A and B), BamH-I “f” variant, and the Xho-I site mutant of the latent membrane protein-1 (LMP-1) gene in 19 cases of EBV-associated NPTL and in 30 cases of NPC. EBV DNA from three patients with infectious mononucleosis (IM) was simultaneously studied as representative of normal healthy carriers. Similar to NPC and IM, the EBV in NPTL was found to belong to the type A strain in the majority (18 of 19) of cases by analyzing the 3′ divergence of EBNA-2 genes. The extra restriction enzyme site in the BamHI-F region (“f” variant) of EBV DNA was frequently (15 of 30) demonstrated in NPC, but only rarely (1 of 19) was it detected in NPTL and IM (0 of 3). The Xho-I site mutant of the LMP-1 gene previously characterized in Chinese NPC also prevailed in NPTL and IM with an identical nucleotide sequence. No correlation exists between the EBV subtype and its variants. In conclusion, type A EBV is prevalent in Taiwanese NPTL, a finding much distinct from the dominance of type B virus in nonendemic European patients. The EBV genomes in NPTL are closely similar to those in IM or normal healthy carriers, but are distinct from NPC for the infrequency of the “f” variant. The prevalence of the LMP-1 mutant in this endemic region suggests that this EBV strain may confer a growth advantage role in the pathogenesis of these EBV-associated diseases. The rarity of the “f” variant in NPTL and its high frequency in NPC may explain the differential tumorigenesis of different EBV strains. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Epstein-Barr virus isolates with the major HLA B35.01-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte epitope are prevalent in a highly B35.01-positive African population

An influence of cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response over Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) evolution was first suggested by the finding that virus isolates from highly HLA-A11-positive Oriental populations were specifically mutated in two immunodominant A11-restricted CTL epitopes. Here we turn to a second HLA allele, B35.01 and show that B35.01-restricted CTL responses in Caucasian donors reproducibly map to a single peptide epitope, YPLHEQHGM, representing residues 458–466 of the type 1 EBV nuclear antigen 3 A protein (B95.8 strain). In this case, however, most EBV isolates from a highly B35.01-positive population (in The Gambia) either retained the CTL epitope sequence or carried a mutation (P → S at position 2) which conserved antigenicity; changes leading to reduced antigenicity (Y → N at position 1) were found in only a minority of cases. Furthermore, CTL recognizing the YPLHEQHGM epitope could be reactivated from the blood of some B35.01-positive Gambian donors by in vitro stimulation with the synthetic peptide, indicating that epitope-specific immunity does exist in this population. Possible differences between the A11-based and B35.01-based studies are discussed.     

EB病毒和ConA诱导抑制性T细胞对EB病毒感染B细胞作用探讨

本文探讨了用灭活的EB病毒(EBV)和ConA诱导产生的抑制性T细胞(Ts),对EBV感染自身B细胞的影响,结果表明,EBV抗原诱导产生的抑制性T细胞(Ts)能使EBV感染B细胞中的EBNA阳性细胞数,~3H-TdR掺入量和IgA、IgG及IgM分泌量减少;而ConA诱导产生的Ts则使EBNA阳性细胞数和~3H-TdR掺入量增加,但三种Ig含量无明显变化(P>0.05)。结果提示前者对EBV感染B细胞的激活,增殖和分化均有明显抑制作用,而后者的作用则相反,具有明显促进EBV感染B细胞的作用。     

Computational Prediction and Identification of Epstein-Barr Virus Latent Membrane Protein 2A Antigen-Specific CD8^＋ T-Cell Epitopes

Epstein-Barr virus （EBV） associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma （NPC） is a high incidence tumor in Southeast Asia. Among EBV encoded proteins, latent membrane protein 2A （LMP2A） is an important antigen for T cell therapy of EBV. In this study, we predicted six HLA-A2 restricted CTL candidate epitopes of LMP2A by SYFPEITHI, NetMHC and MHCPred methods combined with the polynomial method. Subsequently, biological functions of these peptides were tested by experiments in vitro. In ELISPOT assay, the positive response of the LMP2A specific CTL stimulated by three （LMP2A264.272, LMP2A426-434 and LMP2A3s6.364） of six peptides respectively showed that the numbers of spots forming cells （SFC） ranged from 55.7 to 80.6 SFC/5 x 104 CO8^＋ T cells and the responding index （RI） ranged from 5.4 to 7. These three epitope-specific CTLs could effectively kill specific HLA-A2- expressing target cells. As a result, LMP2A264.272 （QLSPLLGAV）, LMP2A426.434 （CLGGLLTMV） and LMP2A356.364 （FLYALALLL） were identified as LMP2A-specific CD8^＋ T-cell epitopes. It would be useful to clarify immune response toward EBV and to develop a vaccine against EBV-correlative NPC.     

Cholesterol is critical for Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein 2A trafficking and protein stability

Latent membrane protein 2A (LMP2A) of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) plays a key role in regulating viral latency and EBV pathogenesis by functionally mimicking signals induced by the B cell receptor (BCR) altering normal B cell development. LMP2A specifically associates with Nedd4 family ubiquitin-protein ligases which downmodulate LMP2A activity by ubiquitinating LMP2A and LMP2A-associated protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs). Since specific ubiquitin tags provide an endocytic sorting signal for plasma membrane proteins which traffic to membrane vesicles, we examined LMP2A localization and trafficking. We found that LMP2A is secreted through exosomes, small endocytic membrane vesicles, as previously demonstrated for LMP1. Interestingly, the treatment of cells with methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MCD), which depletes cholesterol from plasma membrane, dramatically increased LMP2A abundance and LMP2A exosome secretion. Cholesterol depletion also blocked LMP2A endocytosis resulting in the accumulation of LMP2A on plasma membrane. LMP2A phosphorylation and ubiquitination were blocked by cholesterol depletion. LMP2A in the exosomal fraction was ubiquitinated but not phosphorylated. These results indicate that cholesterol-dependent LMP2A trafficking determines the fate of LMP2A degradation.     

鼻咽及其邻近部位各类型癌组织中EBV DNA的原位检测

改进了生物素标记探针与石蜡组织切片的ＤＮＡ－ＤＮＡ原位杂效技术，采用ＥＢ病毒的ＢａｍＨＩ－Ｗ片段为探针，检测鼻咽部及其邻近部位各种不同组织学和分化类型的癌组织及慢性炎症标本中ＥＢＶ的存在与分布情况。结果表明：ＥＢ病毒的存在与癌的组织类型和分化程度密切相关，并不局限于鼻咽部。在鼻咽部的低，中，高分化鳞状细胞癌标本，ＥＢＶＤＮＡ阳性例数分别为３９／４１个，１／７个和０／３个；腭部及扁桃体氏体低鳞癌标本     

Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric carcinoma

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been accepted as an infective agent causing gastric carcinoma (GC). EBV-associated GC, comprising nearly 10% of all cases of GC, is the monoclonal growth of EBV-infected epithelial cells, which express only several EBV-latent genes (Latency I program). Histopathologically, there are two subtypes, lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma and the ordinary type of GC. Other features include the lace pattern of carcinoma cells in the intramucosal stage and the dense infiltration of lymphocytes and macrophages at the invasive site of the submucosa. The primary molecular abnormality in EBV-associated GC is global and non-random CpG island methylation in the promoter region of many cancer-related genes. Experimental studies have demonstrated that viral latent membrane protein 2A (LMP2A) is responsible for the promotion of DNA methylation. LMP2A up-regulates cellular DNMT1 through the phosphorylation of STAT3, resulting in the repression of tumor suppressor genes, such as PTEN, through promoter methylation. DNA methylation in EBV-infected stomach cells may be due to overdrive of the cellular defense against foreign DNA. Further studies on the mechanisms of epigenetic abnormalities will clarify the strategies for prevention and treatment of this particular type of GC with EBV infection.     

Potent Dendritic Cell Vaccine Loaded with Latent Membrane Protein 2A （LMP2A）

Epstein-Barr virus （EBV）, a potential oncogenic herpesvirus, has been found to be associated with several malignancies. It＇s critical to elicit cellular immunity of the body to fight against EBV-associated tumor development. Using dendritic cells （DCs） loaded with latent membrane protein 2A （LMP2A） to elicit T cell response against tumor may be one of the most direct and safest immunotherapy approaches. The present study aimed to develop DCs-based cancer vaccine （DC loaded with LMP2A protein） and study its biological characteristics and immune functions. Purified LMP2A protein was extracted from a cell line L929/LMP2A stably expressing LMP2A. LMP2A could be loaded on DCs with no significant changes of the DC surface markers and cytomorphology. The percentage of DCs loaded with LMP2A was above 80%. LMP2A-loaded DCs markedly enhanced the proliferation of antigen-specific CD8^＋ T and CD4^＋ T cells by 3H-TdR incorporation assay. Besides, the specific cytotoxicity of the CTLs against LMP2A target cells was also significantly increased. These results indicated that DC-based vaccine loaded with virus antigen could elicit potent CTL response and provide a foundation for further study on the DC-based immunotherapy for nasopharygeal carcinoma and other EBV associated tumors. Cellular ＆ Molecular Immunology.     

CpG基序联合EB病毒建立永生化B淋巴母细胞系

目的 体外建立慢性乙型肝炎患者永生化的B淋巴母细胞系(LCLs).方法 用EB病毒感染自慢性乙型肝炎患者外周血中分离的单个核细胞(PBMC),加入CpG DNA免疫调节基序以诱导B淋巴细胞增殖,环胞菌素A(CysA)抑制T淋巴细胞的活性.光学显微镜下观察LCLs的形态特征,利用流式细胞术分析LCLs膜表面分子CD19和CD23的表达水平.结果 46例患者PBMC经EBV感染4周后,42例转化成永生化B淋巴母细胞系,成功率为91.3%.转化后的B淋巴母细胞体积增大积聚成团,可进一步分裂增殖并长期传代培养.结论 CpG免疫调节基序联合EBV感染人PBMC,提高转化效率,转化后的LCL保持了成熟B淋巴细胞的生物学特性,可作为体外研究HBV特异性免疫应答的刺激细胞和靶细胞.     

Detection of EBV and HPV in nasopharyngeal carcinoma by in situ hybridization

BACKGROUND: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a common cancer in Southeast Asia and is frequently associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Human papilloma virus (HPV) is an epitheliotrophic oncogenic virus that has been detected in a variety of head and neck tumors including NPC. This retrospective study was undertaken to investigate the prevalence of EBV and HPV infection subtypes 6/11 and 16/18 in 20 patients with NPC. METHODS: In situ hybridization for EBV-encoded RNA (EBER) and tyramid signal amplification of ISH for HPV DNA subtypes 6/11 and 16/18 was performed to evaluate the prevalence of EBV and HPV latency infection among Iranian Patients with NPC. RESULTS: 16 cases were classified as WHO type III (undifferentiated carcinoma) and 4 as WHO type II (non-keratinizing SCC). EBER-ISH was positive in 19 (95%) of NPCs evaluated and in one metastases from cervical primary, included in this series. Two of 20 NPC (10%) contained HPV 6/11 sequences and two of 20 NPC (10%) contained HPV 16/18 sequences, and combined EBV and HPV infection was detected in 3 of the 20 (15%) patients. CONCLUSION: Our data indicated that EBV is closely associated with NPC in Iran. In addition, a low percentage of EBV positive NPC contained HPV sequences. The significance of coexistence of EBV and HPV in NPC requires further study.     

Determination of soluble CD21 as a parameter of B cell activation.

In this study we established a novel solid-phase immunoassay for CD21 using the time-resolved fluorescence of lanthanide chelates. The capture assay was able to detect concentrations of as low as 100 pg of CD21 antigen per millilitre of sample and was used for quantitative determination of CD21 in lysates of different cell lines as well as in patient serum specimens. CD21 was measured in lysates of tonsils and cell lines of B, T cell and myelomonocyte lineage, and appeared to consist of monomeric antigen under the detergent conditions used. Elevated levels of soluble CD21 were observed in serum of patients with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, a disease known to be associated with polyclonal B cell activation, and in infection with the lymphotropic rubella virus. Significantly increased levels were also found in malignancies which are associated with EBV. In patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), a correlation with the titre of EBV-specific IgA was observed, thus supporting a possible role of soluble CD21 as a marker for disease activity in certain malignancies. Our data suggest that measurement of soluble CD21 could serve as a marker for activation of the immune system and diseases involving the B cell lymphoid system. Possible mechanisms and functions of soluble CD21 are discussed.     

Detection of Epstein-Barr virus in lymphoid tissues of patients with infectious mononucleosis by in situ hybridization.

Although the immunological response during infectious mononucleosis (IMN) has been studied in detail, little is known about the spread of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in lymphoid organs or the topographical distribution of the infected cells. In this study, EBV was detected in 11 lymph nodes, 4 tonsils, and 1 spleen of 16 patients with IMN. The predominant cell type positive for the EBV genome was identified as small lymphocytes localized chiefly within typical T areas, preferentially in perifollicular and interfollicular regions of the lymph node. A few endothelia of epithelioid venules were also found to be positive. Furthermore, a small number of sinus lining cells of lymph nodes exhibited labelling. Altogether, only a small number of cells, not exceeding 1 per cent of all cells, were infected with EBV. Our results show that only a small number of lymphocytes carry the EBV and that besides B lymphocytes, other cell constituents of lymphatic tissues are infected by EBV during IMN.     

Roles of the PI3K/Akt pathway in Epstein-Barr virus-induced cancers and therapeutic implications

Viruses have been shown to be responsible for 10%-15% of cancer cases. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the first virus to be associated with human malignancies. EBV can cause many cancers, including Burkett’s lymphoma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders, nasopharyngeal carcinoma and gastric cancer. Evidence shows that phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) plays a key role in EBV-induced malignancies. The main EBV oncoproteins latent membrane proteins (LMP) 1 and LMP2A can activate the PI3K/Akt pathway, which, in turn, affects cell survival, apoptosis, proliferation and genomic instability via its downstream target proteins to cause cancer. It has also been demonstrated that the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway can result in drug resistance to chemotherapy. Thus, the inhibition of this pathway can increase the therapeutic efficacy of EBV-associated cancers. For example, PI3K inhibitor Ly294002 has been shown to increase the effect of 5-fluorouracil in an EBV-associated gastric cancer cell line. At present, dual inhibitors of PI3K and its downstream target mammalian target of rapamycin have been used in clinical trials and may be included in treatment regimens for EBV-associated cancers.