Epstein–Barr virus-infected plasma cell (EBV+ plasma cell)

Epstein–Barr virus-infected plasma cells represent a specific population of terminally differentiated B lymphocytes that have undergone EBV infection and subsequent differentiation into antibody-secreting plasma cells. In healthy EBV carriers, these cells constitute a small fraction of the plasma cell population in lymphoid tissues like the tonsils, where they initiate viral lytic replication. The differentiation of B cells into plasma cells appears to trigger the switch from EBV latency to the lytic cycle, mediated through activation of the BZLF1 immediate-early transcription factor. These infected plasma cells serve as a primary site of viral amplification and virion production, facilitating the perpetuation of lifelong EBV persistence and transmission. While not suitable as a direct therapeutic target molecule, understanding the biology of EBV+ plasma cells has implications for managing EBV-associated diseases and understanding viral persistence mechanisms.

Other names

EBV-infected antibody-secreting cellEBV+ ASC

Not applicable