Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Antigen-Expressing Cell (EBV-Ag+ Cell)

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated antigen-expressing cells are host cells (typically B lymphocytes, but also T cells and other cell types) that express viral antigens as a result of EBV infection. The pattern of antigen expression (EBNAs, LMPs, etc.) depends on the viral latency program and influences immunological properties. These cells are involved in the pathogenesis of several EBV-associated diseases, including lymphomas and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder. Immunological features involve recognition by CTLs and CD4+ T cells, but also immune evasion mechanisms such as MHC downregulation and PD-L1 expression. They represent a therapeutic target for strategies like CAR-T cell therapy.

Other names

EBV-infected cellEBV-transformed cellEBV positive cellEBV-associated tumor cell

Rituximab targets CD20 on B cells; Chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells; Immunosuppressants suppress the immune system, relevant in PTLD; EBV-specific CTLs and CAR-T therapies directly kill EBV-infected cells by recognizing viral antigens