Exp Mol Med.  2015 Jan;47(1):e136. 10.1038/emm.2014.102.

Epstein Barr virus-associated lymphoproliferative diseases: the virus as a therapeutic target

• Tse E
• Kwong YL

• KMID: 2155401
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1038/emm.2014.102

Abstract

Epstein Barr virus (EBV)-associated lymphoproliferative diseases (LPDs) express all EBV latent antigens (type III latency) in immunodeficient patients and limited antigens (type I and II latencies) in immunocompetent patients. Post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) is the prototype exhibiting type III EBV latency. Although EBV antigens are highly immunogenic, PTLD cell proliferation remains unchecked because of the underlying immunosuppression. The restoration of anti-EBV immunity by EBV-specific T cells of either autologous or allogeneic origin has been shown to be safe and effective in PTLDs. Cellular therapy can be improved by establishing a bank of human leukocyte antigen-characterized allogeneic EBV-specific T cells. In EBV+ LPDs exhibiting type I and II latencies, the use of EBV-specific T cells is more limited, although the safety and efficacy of this therapy have also been demonstrated. The therapeutic role of EBV-specific T cells in EBV+ LPDs needs to be critically reappraised with the advent of monoclonal antibodies and other targeted therapy. Another strategy involves the use of epigenetic approaches to induce EBV to undergo lytic proliferation when expression of the viral thymidine kinase renders host tumor cells susceptible to the cytotoxic effects of ganciclovir. Finally, the prophylactic use of antiviral drugs to prevent EBV reactivation may decrease the occurrence of EBV+ LPDs.

MeSH Terms

Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use
Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy
DNA Methylation
Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/*complications
Genome, Viral
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Herpesvirus 4, Human/*physiology
Humans
Immunotherapy, Adoptive
Lymphoproliferative Disorders/diagnosis/*etiology/*therapy
Organ Transplantation/adverse effects
T-Lymphocytes/immunology
Transplantation, Homologous
Virus Latency
Antiviral Agents