Article
Cell Biology
Yoshitaka Sato, Masahiro Yaguchi, Yusuke Okuno, Hanako Ishimaru, Ken Sagou, Somi Ozaki, Takeshi Suzuki, Tomoki Inagaki, Miki Umeda, Takahiro Watanabe, Masahiro Fujimuro, Takayuki Murata, Hiroshi Kimura
Summary: This study found that the EBV-infected cells release exosomes containing a protein called BGLF2, which enhances viral gene expression and represses immune responses, thereby facilitating EBV infection.
CELL COMMUNICATION AND SIGNALING
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Yaxian Ma, Peiling Zhang, Yuhan Bao, Hui Luo, Jiachen Wang, Liang Huang, Miao Zheng
Summary: Chronic active Epstein-Barr virus (CAEBV) disease is a high-mortality disease characterized by persistent infectious mononucleosis-like symptoms. This study analyzed the outcomes of PD-1 inhibitors treatment for CAEBV patients and found that the treatment had a high response rate and tolerable toxicity.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Ting Shi, Linlin Huang, Zhengrong Chen, Jianmei Tian
Summary: This study investigated the characteristics of primary EBV infection and reactivation in children in Suzhou, China, finding that primary EBV infection was more common in children aged 36 to <72 months and often led to infectious mononucleosis. Reactivation of EBV mainly occurred in children aged 8 to <36 months and was identified as a risk factor for hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Among reactivated patients, HLH had a higher viral load compared to EBV infection and respiratory infection.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Virology
Qiliang Lu, Wen Fu, Guangxiong Ouyang, Qiuran Xu, Dongsheng Huang
Summary: This case highlights the importance of considering EBV infection in young patients with spleen rupture without obvious cause to prevent misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Xubing Long, Ziwei Yang, Yang Li, Qinqin Sun, Xiaojuan Li, Ersheng Kuang
Summary: The study reveals that BRLF1 regulates cellular and viral gene expression and transcription during EBV primary infection, impacting pathways such as DNA replication and metabolism. BRLF1 binds to transcription factors and spliceosome components, influencing RNA polymerase II-dependent transcription and pre-mRNA splicing.
Review
Microbiology
Cyril Debuysschere, Magloire Pandoua Nekoua, Didier Hober
Summary: Viral infections, particularly Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), have long been suspected to play a role in the development and progression of autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, and type 1 diabetes. EBV has a complex lifecycle in infected B-cells, producing viral proteins and miRNAs. This review highlights the detection of EBV infection in MS patients, focusing on markers of latency and lytic phases. The presence of latency proteins, antibodies, and miRNAs in the central nervous system of MS patients suggests a link between EBV and MS.
Article
Microbiology
Quincy Rosemarie, Elijah Kirschstein, Bill Sugden
Summary: We have discovered how Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) induces the reorganization of cellular chromatin, with viral DNA replication occurring in the chromatin-free regions. Five families of DNA viruses induce similar reorganization, and they infect a variety of hosts. The viral genes and processes required for EBV's chromatin reorganization have been identified, and a two-step model for the process has been proposed. The importance of chromatin reorganization in viral life cycles is emphasized. Overall, a 9 out of 10 score is given for the importance of this research.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yoshimi Enose-Akahata, Limin Wang, Fahad Almsned, Kory R. Johnson, Yair Mina, Joan Ohayon, Xin Wei Wang, Steven Jacobson
Summary: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS), and the cause of MS remains unknown. This study investigated the antibody responses against various viruses in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum of MS patients, and found significant differences compared to healthy volunteers, as well as a pattern of antibody responses against multiple viruses, including Epstein-Barr virus. These findings indicate that virus-specific antibody signatures might reflect the disease-associated inflammatory milieu in the CSF of patients with neuroinflammatory diseases.
Article
Oncology
Samantha S. Soldan, Emma M. Anderson, Drew M. Frase, Yue Zhang, Lisa B. Caruso, Yin Wang, Julianna S. Deakyne, Benjamin E. Gewurz, Italo Tempera, Paul M. Lieberman, Troy E. Messick
Summary: The study demonstrated that the EBNA1 inhibitor VK-1727 selectively inhibited cell growth in EBV-positive gastric carcinoma and reduced tumor growth in animal models, but not in EBV-negative gastric carcinoma. Short-term treatment tended to activate viral genes, while long-term treatment resulted in significant decrease in viral gene expression.
Article
Infectious Diseases
David B. Villafuerte, Olga Lavrynenko, Rayan Qazi, Marco F. Passeri, Fernando L. Sanchez
Summary: A 60-year-old Hispanic female was admitted to the hospital with recurrent fevers, altered mental status, lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, and pancytopenia. Extensive workup revealed chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection. Treatment initially showed positive results, but the patient became co-infected with COVID-19, leading to a rapid decline in health and death.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Pathology
Sudipta Samanta, Muthukaruppan Swaminathan, Jianing Hu, Khai Tuck Lee, Ajitha Sundaresan, Chuan Keng Goh, Chor Hiang Siow, Kwok Seng Loh, Soh Ha Chan, Joshua K. Tay, Ian Cheong
Summary: The use of immunofluorescence assay for detecting serum Epstein-Barr virus antibodies is the gold standard screening test for nasopharyngeal cancer in high-risk populations. This study demonstrates that integrating deep learning with automated fuzzy inference can improve the scalability and accuracy of NPC detection.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Virology
Laura E. M. Dunn, Fang Lu, Chenhe Su, Paul M. M. Lieberman, Joel D. D. Baines
Summary: The ability of EBV to switch between latent and lytic infection is crucial for its long-term persistence, yet the molecular mechanisms behind this switch remain unclear. Using PRO-Seq, the study mapped RNA Pol positioning and activity during latency and reactivation and found that CTCF regulates viral early transcripts during reactivation. This finding suggests that CTCF binding at specific regions helps maintain the accessibility of the viral genome for productive replication.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Archana Panikkar, Katie E. Lineburg, Jyothy Raju, Keng Yih Chew, George R. Ambalathingal, Sweera Rehan, Srividhya Swaminathan, Pauline Crooks, Laetitia Le Texier, Leone Beagley, Shannon Best, Matthew Solomon, Katherine K. Matthews, Sriganesh Srihari, Michelle A. Neller, Kirsty R. Short, Rajiv Khanna, Corey Smith
Summary: Adoptive T-cell immunotherapy has shown promising results in treating viral complications, especially in immunocompromised patients. Expanding T cells from healthy individuals provides a new approach to antiviral immunotherapy with rapid and customized treatment options. Recent research indicates that SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells play a crucial role in protecting against COVID-19, suggesting the potential of using HLA-matched virus-specific T cells for treating active COVID-19 or at-risk patients.
Article
Immunology
Mariann Gyoengyoesi, Dominika Lukovic, Julia Mester-Tonczar, Katrin Zlabinger, Patrick Einzinger, Andreas Spannbauer, Victor Schweiger, Katharina Schefberger, Eslam Samaha, Jutta Bergler-Klein, Martin Riesenhuber, Christian Nitsche, Christian Hengstenberg, Patrick Mucher, Helmuth Haslacher, Monika Breuer, Robert Strassl, Elisabeth Puchhammer-Stoeckl, Christian Loewe, Dietrich Beitzke, Ena Hasimbegovic, Thomas A. Zelniker
Summary: This study evaluated the reactivation of parvovirus-B19 and Herpesviridae family members in patients with long-COVID syndrome and found that vaccination with monovalent COVID-19 vaccines was associated with reduced fatigue and multiorgan symptoms. It also led to lower levels of DNA virus-related IgM, plasma IgG subfractions, cytomegalovirus IgG and IgM, and EBV IgM titers.
Review
Oncology
Jianyu Hu, Xue Zhang, Huan Tao, Yongqian Jia
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patients. The results showed that EBV positivity was associated with poorer overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) in HL patients. However, the presence of EBV in HL did not affect failure-free survival, progression-free survival, or event-free survival. Subgroup analyses also revealed that EBV positivity was associated with a poorer prognosis in elderly patients, while children and adolescents with EBV-positive HL tended to have a better prognosis, although not statistically significant.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Christina K. S. Muller, Julian Spagnuolo, Annette Audige, Andrew Chancellor, Doris Russenberger, Alexandra U. Scherrer, Matthias Hoffmann, Roger Kouyos, Manuel Battegay, Gennaro De Libero, Roberto F. Speck, K. Aebi-Popp, A. Anagnostopoulos, M. Battegay, E. Bernasconi, J. Boni, D. L. Braun, H. C. Bucher, A. Calmy, M. Cavassini, A. Ciuffi, G. Dollenmaier, M. Egger, L. Elzi, J. Fehr, J. Fellay, H. Furrer, C. A. Fux, H. F. Gunthard, D. Haerry, B. Hasse, H. H. Hirsch, M. Hoffmann, I. Hosli, M. Huber, C. R. Kahlert, L. Kaiser, O. Keiser, T. Klimkait, R. D. Kouyos, H. Kovari, B. Ledergerber, G. Martinetti, B. Martinez de Tejada, C. Marzolini, K. J. Metzner, N. Muller, D. Nicca, P. Paioni, G. Pantaleo, M. Perreau, A. Rauch, C. Rudin, A. U. Scherrer, P. Schmid, R. Speck, M. Stockle, P. Tarr, A. Trkola, P. Vernazza, G. Wandeler, R. Weber, S. Yerly
Summary: Studies have found subtle phenotypical differences in TCR V delta 1 and MAIT cells in HIV-infected individuals developing HL, suggesting potential functional impairment and lower efficiency in detecting and eliminating malignant cells. Further longitudinal CD4(+) T cell count analysis may help identify patients at higher risk for developing HL.
INFECTIOUS AGENTS AND CANCER
(2021)
Article
Pathology
Jamie J. Beagan, Esther E. E. Drees, Phylicia Stathi, Paul P. Eijk, Laura Meulenbroeks, Floortje Kessler, Jaap M. Middeldorp, D. Michiel Pegtel, Josee M. Zijlstra, Daoud Sie, Danielle A. M. Heideman, Erik Thunnissen, Linda Smit, Daphne de Jong, Florent Mouliere, Bauke Ylstra, Margaretha G. M. Roemer, Erik van Dijk
Summary: This study demonstrates the feasibility of detecting somatic copy number alterations using PCR-free sWGS on cfDNA from plasma collected in EDTA or lithium-heparin tubes, paving the way for an automated cfDNA analysis workflow for samples from cancer patients. The percentage of unique reads was significantly higher in the PCR-free method compared to the PCR method, regardless of the type of collection tube, while other evaluated metrics showed high comparability between the two methods.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Semjon Sidorov, Lara Fux, Katja Steiner, Samyo Bounlom, Sabrina Traxel, Tarik Azzi, Arbeneshe Berisha, Christoph Berger, Michele Bernasconi, Felix K. Niggli, Yvonne Perner, Sugeshnee Pather, Werner Kempf, David Nadal, Simone Burgler
Summary: The study reveals the dichotomous effects of CD4 + T cells in endemic Burkitt lymphoma, suggesting that they may suppress cancer development by killing pre-cancerous cells without specific translocations, but also indirectly promote cancer progression by inducing EBV latency switching. Moreover, it demonstrates how CD4 + T cells can impact cancer pathogenesis and progression, providing a new in vitro model for further research on the role of IgH/c-myc translocations.
CANCER IMMUNOLOGY IMMUNOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Julia Elrod, Nicole Ochsenbein-Koelble, Luca Mazzone, Roland Zimmermann, Christoph Berger, Roberto F. Speck, Nele Struebing, Christoph Mohr, Ueli Moehrlen, Martin Meuli
Summary: This case report describes in utero repair surgery for spina bifida in a woman infected with HIV. By taking preventive measures, the risk of vertical HIV transmission was successfully reduced, and the surgery resulted in favorable outcomes.
FETAL DIAGNOSIS AND THERAPY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Insani Budiningsih, Yoes Prijatna Dachlan, Usman Hadi, Jaap Michiel Middeldorp
Summary: The study in Indonesia revealed that EBV infection and Plasmodium falciparum Malaria are risk factors in the development of Burkitt's lymphoma. There is a clear correlation between Malaria dysregulation and EBV infection, particularly in cases of P. falciparum.
Article
Medical Laboratory Technology
Geng-Hang Chen, Zhiwei Liu, Kelly J. Yu, Anna E. Coghill, Xiao-Xia Chen, Shang-Hang Xie, Dong-Feng Lin, Qi-Hong Huang, Yu-Qiang Lu, Wei Ling, Chu-Yang Lin, Zi-Jian Lu, Yu-Ying Fan, Lin-Quan Tang, Joshua N. Sampson, Hui Li, Ann D. King, Jaap M. Middeldorp, Allan Hildesheim, Su-Mei Cao
Summary: This study evaluated the performance of nasopharynx swab EBV DNA as a reflex test to triage high-risk individuals for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The results showed that the swab test had promising potential in reducing referral rate without significantly compromising sensitivity compared to serology-only screening programs.
CLINICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Michelle H. F. Dias, Luiz F. F. Guimaraes, Matheus G. Barcelos, Eduardo U. M. Moreira, Maria F. A. do Nascimento, Tais N. de Souza, Camilla Pires, Talita A. F. Monteiro, Jaap M. Middeldorp, Irene S. Soares, Cor J. F. Fontes, Francis B. Ntumngia, John H. Adams, Flora S. Kano, Luzia H. Carvalho
Summary: Simultaneous infection of Plasmodium falciparum and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can promote the development of Burkitt's Lymphoma, and EBV infection may impact human immune response to malaria. This study investigated the impact of EBV co-infection on antibody responses to P. vivax in a population exposed to malaria.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Virology
Maarja Gruenbach, Christina K. S. Muller, Erika Schlaepfer, Luca Baroncini, Doris Russenberger, Nicole P. Kadzioch, Benjamin Escher, Martin Schlapschy, Arne Skerra, Simon Bredl, Roberto F. Speck
Summary: The research explored the efficacy of novel, long-acting IFN-alpha 14 in controlling HIV replication in HIV-infected humanized mice. The study found that IFN-alpha 14 had no effect on chronic HIV infection but demonstrated a transiently restored responsiveness to IFN and a temporary lower HIV burden after stopping cART when mice were treated with cART first. These findings emphasize the value of cART-mediated HIV suppression and immune reconstitution in creating a window of opportunity for exploring novel immunotherapies, the potential of IFNs for constraining HIV, and the value of humanized mice for exploring novel immunotherapies.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Christina B. Karsten, Yannic C. Bartsch, Sally A. Shin, Matthew D. Slein, Howard M. Heller, Kumaran Kolandaivelu, Jaap M. Middeldorp, Galit Alter, Boris Julg
Summary: Although Epstein-Barr virus primarily causes asymptomatic infections, it can also lead to associated diseases. However, the antibody function during EBV infection is relatively limited compared to other viral infections, possibly due to the virus transitioning from lytic to latent stages.
Article
Oncology
Dzhangar Dzhumashev, Andrea Timpanaro, Safa Ali, Andrea J. De Micheli, Kamel Mamchaoui, Ilaria Cascone, Jochen Rossler, Michele Bernasconi
Summary: Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a common soft tissue sarcoma in childhood and adolescence. This study explored the use of tumor-targeting peptides to selectively deliver drugs to RMS cells. Among the tested peptides, F3 showed strong and specific binding to RMS cells, effective internalization, and delivery of a toxin. The target of F3 peptide, nucleolin, was found to be expressed on the surface of RMS cells. The results suggest that F3 peptide could be a potential therapeutic approach for RMS.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andrea Timpanaro, Caroline Piccand, Anne-Christine Uldry, Peter Karl Bode, Dzhangar Dzhumashev, Rita Sala, Manfred Heller, Jochen Rossler, Michele Bernasconi
Summary: Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a common soft tissue sarcoma in children. More effective and less toxic therapies are needed for high-grade and metastatic RMS. Surface proteins profiling revealed potential targets for immunotherapies of RMS, including known targets FGFR4, NCAM1, and CD276/B7-H3, and also newly discovered targets AGRL2, JAM3, MEGF10, GPC4, and CADM2. L1CAM showed strong expression in alveolar RMS tumors, making it a practical target for antibody-based therapies of this subtype.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Natalia Teresa Jarzebska, Marina Tusup, Julia Frei, Tobias Weiss, Tim Holzinger, Mark Mellett, Mustafa Diken, Simon Bredl, Michael Weller, Roberto F. Speck, Thomas M. Kundig, Ugur Sahin, Steve Pascolo
Summary: Nanoparticles of different sizes engage TLRs and activate innate immune responses both in vitro and in vivo. The schedule of injections affects the magnitude of the immune response. In a tumor model, nanoparticles can clear lung metastasis but have no effect on subcutaneous tumors. By incorporating chemotherapeutic base analogues, nanoparticles can effectively control various types of tumors.
Article
Oncology
Ilona Argirion, Ruth M. Pfeiffer, Carla Proietti, Anna E. Coghill, Kelly J. Yu, Jaap M. Middeldorp, Yomani D. Sarathkumara, Wan-Lun Hsu, Yin-Chu Chien, Pei-Jen Lou, Cheng-Ping Wang, Nathaniel Rothman, Qing Lan, Chien-Jen Chen, Sam M. Mbulaiteye, Ruth F. Jarrett, Ingrid Glimelius, Karin E. Smedby, Henrik Hjalgrim, Allan Hildesheim, Denise L. Doolan, Zhiwei Liu
Summary: By studying the anti-EBV IgG and IgA antibody responses in patients with four different EBV-associated cancers, it was found that the antibody responses were associated with different cancer types. This research helps to understand the pathogenic mechanisms of EBV-related cancers.
CANCER EPIDEMIOLOGY BIOMARKERS & PREVENTION
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Luca Baroncini, Simon Bredl, Kadzioch P. Nicole, Roberto F. Speck
Summary: This article discusses a new type of humanized mouse model introduced in the early 2000s, which involves the transplantation of human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells into immunocompromised mice. These models have been of great value in HIV research, covering various aspects from pathogenesis to novel therapies. The article analyzes different humanized mouse models and provides guidance on selecting the appropriate model based on specific research questions.
Article
Oncology
Fabienne Tschanz, Sabine Bender, Irma Telarovic, Verena Waller, Roberto F. Speck, Martin Pruschy
Summary: Inhibition of the sheddase ADAM17 by the novel antibody MEDI3622 reduces IR-induced VEGF release from tumor cells, enhancing radiotherapy treatment outcome of NSCLC by reducing endothelial cell migration and vasculature protection.
CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)