Research Advances in Infectious Mononucleosis Caused by Epstein-Barr Virus

Infectious mononucleosis (IM), primarily caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), manifests as the classic triad of fever, pharyngitis, and cervical lymphadenopathy. Severe cases may involve organ damage, most commonly affecting the liver. Diagnosis relies on a combination of clinical presentation and laboratory parameters, with commonly used indicators including EBV-specific antibodies, EBV-DNA load, and the ratio of atypical lymphocytes. Treatment primarily involves symptomatic supportive care, with a cautious approach to the routine use of antiviral medications. In recent years, significant research in traditional Chinese medicine has been conducted in China, showing promising advancements. This article provides a comprehensive review of EBV-induced infectious mononucleosis, offering insights for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Epstein-Barr病毒与肝损伤相关性的研究进展

EB病毒(Epstein-Barr Virus,EBV)作为常见的非嗜肝DNA病毒之一,早已被研究证实可以导致肝脏损伤(Liver injury)并引起肝功能异常,且已成为临床医生对肝功能异常患者筛查的重要指标之一。但目前尚缺乏对既往有关其感染所致肝损伤的研究成果的有效整合。本文通过梳理相关文献系统、全面探讨EBV与肝损伤相关性的研究进展,包括EBV概述、感染的现状、传播方式、所致疾病类型、其致肝损伤可能的机制和对临床诊疗的影响及EBV相关性肝损伤未来的研究方向。本文表明EBV感染所致肝损伤可能持续存在并导致严重后果,为全球带来巨大的疾病负担。因此,临床医生必须对其予以足够的重视,以期早期识别,并尽早采取有效措施使患者能最大获益。

Epstein-Barr病毒相关淋巴上皮瘤样肝内胆管癌3例并文献复习

肝淋巴上皮瘤样癌(Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma,LELC)是一种极其罕见的恶性肿瘤,其特点是未分化的恶性上皮细胞及明显的淋巴浸润。肝LELC主要包括淋巴上皮瘤样肝细胞癌(lymphoepithelioma-like hepatocellularcarcinoma,LEL-HCC)和淋巴上皮瘤样肝内胆管癌(lymphoepithelioma-likeintrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma,LEL-CC)。EB病毒(Epstein-Barr virus,EBV)感染被认为是LELC癌变的重要因素。中南大学湘雅医院自2005年以来共收治3例EBV相关LEL-CC患者,CT均提示肝脏肿块,经手术切除后,3例患者EBV编码的RNA(EBV-encoded RNA,EBER)和CK19表达均为阳性,病理学证实为EBV相关的LEL-CC。2例患者术后预后良好,1例患者术后接受相关免疫治疗及化学治疗。结合现有文献分析,笔者认为可将肝LELC纳入肝肿瘤的分类,这将为肝LELC的精准诊断及治疗提供新思路。

传染性单核细胞增多症患儿调节性T细胞/辅助性T细胞17免疫失衡与治疗后Epstein-Barr病毒-DNA仍阳性的相关性研究

目的探讨传染性单核细胞增多症患儿调节性T细胞(regulatory T cell,Treg)/辅助性T细胞(helper T cell,Th)17免疫失衡与治疗后Epstein-Barr病毒(EBV)-DNA仍阳性的相关性,为传染性单核细胞增多症的治疗及预后评估提供重要标志物。方法以2021年1月至2023年6月就诊于秦皇岛市工人医院的88例传染性单核细胞增多症患儿作为研究对象。患儿接受基于阿昔洛韦或更昔洛韦的标准化治疗并持续随访,根据治疗14d时患儿EBV-DNA载量是否仍为阳性分为EBV-DNA阴性组(n=70)和EBV-DNA阳性组(n=18)。对比两组患儿一般临床资料、治疗相关特征、治疗前T细胞亚群、炎性细胞因子、免疫球蛋白等指标的差异。将单因素分析有意义的指标进行Spearman相关性分析及多因素Logistic回归分析,评价各差异性指标与传染性单核细胞增多症患儿治疗14d后EBV-DNA仍阳性的相关性和危险因素。结果EBV-DNA阳性组患儿平均住院时间、平均体温恢复时间、淋巴结肿大恢复时间均显著长于EBV-DNA阴性组患儿(P<0.05);EBV-DNA阳性组患儿平均CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞比例、CD4^(+)/CD8^(+)比值、Treg细胞比例、Treg/Th17比值、血清IL-4水平均显著低于EBV-DNA阴性组患儿,平均Th17细胞比例及血清IFN-γ水平均显著高于EBV-DNA阴性组患儿(P<0.05);多因素Logistic回归分析表明传染性单核细胞增多症患儿CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞比例及Treg细胞比例较低、Th17细胞比例较高及Treg/Th17比值较低均是规范治疗14d后EBV-DNA仍阳性的危险因素(P<0.05)。结论传染性单核细胞增多症患儿治疗前T细胞亚群比例特征、Treg/Th17免疫失衡严重程度、Th1/Th2细胞因子水平及免疫球蛋白水平与治疗14d后EBV-DNA仍阳性具有显著相关性,密切监测并促进患儿免疫-炎症水平恢复平衡对于提高传染性单核细胞增多症治疗预后具有重要临床意义。

Mucocutaneous ulcer positive for Epstein–Barr virus,misdiagnosed as a small bowel adenocarcinoma:A case report

BACKGROUND Epstein–Barr virus(EBV)-positive mucocutaneous ulcers(MCUs)are an uncommon disorder characterized by ulcerative lesions in the skin,oral cavity or gastrointestinal tract in patients with iatrogenic or aging-induced immunosuppression.The nonspecific lesions are difficult to differentiate from small bowel adenocarcinomas.We present the case of a 69-year-old woman who was initially misdiagnosed with a small bowel adenocarcinoma but was later surgically diagnosed with and treated for EBV-MCU.Through this case,we aim to emphasize the importance of accurately distinguishing between the two conditions.CASE SUMMARY The patient presented with an incidental finding of a small bowel tumor during computed tomography(CT)examination performed for hematuria.The CT scan showed irregular thickening of the distal ileum,which was suggestive of a malignant small bowel tumor.An exploratory laparotomy revealed an 8-cm mass in the distal ileum;thus,a segment of the small intestine,including the mass,was resected.Histopathological analysis revealed an ulceroinfiltrative mass-like lesion with luminal narrowing,marked inflammatory cell infiltration,and large atypical lymphoid cells(positive for EBV-encoded small RNA).A final diagnosis of an EBV-MCU was established.The postoperative course was uneventful,and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 7.The patient remained recurrencefree until 12 mo after surgery.CONCLUSION This case highlights the diagnostic challenges for EBV-MCUs and emphasizes the importance of comprehensive evaluation and accurate histopathological analysis.

Prognostic value of plasma Epstein-Barr virus DNA level during posttreatment follow-up in the patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma having undergone intensity-modulated radiotherapy

Background: The value of Epstein-Barr virus(EBV) DNA assay during posttreatment follow-up of the patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC) presenting with different pretreatment plasma EBV DNA levels remains unclear. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of plasma EBV DNA assay during posttreatment followup in the patients with NPC who have undergone intensity-modulated radiotherapy.Methods: The medical records of 385 NPC patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy between November 2009 and February 2012 were reviewed. All patients underwent plasma EBV DNA assays before treatment, within3 months after treatment, and then every 3-12 months during posttreatment follow-up period. The recurrence rates for patients with different pretreatment and posttreatment follow-up plasma EBV DNA levels were analyzed.Results: Of the 385 patients, 267(69.4%) had detectable pretreatment plasma EBV DNA(> 0 copy/mL) and 93(24.2%) had detectable posttreatment EBV DNA during a median follow-up of 52.8 months(range 9.3-73.8 months).Detectable EBV DNA during posttreatment follow-up was found in 14.4%(17/118) and 28.5%(76/267) of patients with undetectable and detectable pretreatment EBV DNA, respectively, and was significantly associated with tumor recurrence in both patient groups. EBV DNA was detectable in 12.8%(40/313) of patients who remained disease-free,56.4%(22/39) of patients with locoregional recurrence alone, and 93.9%(31/33) of patients with distant metastasis as the first recurrence event(P < 0.001); 6.5%(19/292) of patients with undetectable EBV DNA and 57.0%(53/93) of patient with detectable EBV DNA during posttreatment follow-up experienced tumor recurrence. Compared with other cut-off values, the cut-off value of 0 copy/mL for EBV DNA during posttreatment follow-up had the highest area under the ROC curve(AUC) value(0.804,95% confidence interval 0.741-0.868) for predicting tumor recurrence(sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy: 73.6%, 87.2%, and 84.7%, respectively).Conclusion: Plasma EBV DNA level during posttreatment follow-up is a good marker for predicting distant metastasis but not locoregional recurrence in the patients with NPC irrespective of the pretreatment EBV DNA levels.

Prognostic values of the integrated model incorporating the volume of metastatic regional cervical lymph node and pretreatment serum Epstein-Barr virus DNA copy number in predicting distant metastasis in patients with N1 nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Background: According to the 7 th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer(AJCC) staging system, over50% of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC) have N1 disease at initial diagnosis. However, patients with N1 NPC are relatively under-researched, and the metastasis risk of this group is not well-stratified. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic values of gross tumor volume of metastatic regional lymph node(GTVnd) and pretreatment serum copy number of Epstein-Barr virus(EBV) DNA in predicting distant metastasis of patients with N1 NPC, and to develop an integrated prognostic model that incorporates GTVnd and EBV DNA copy number for this group of patients.Methods: The medical records of 787 newly diagnosed patients with nonmetastatic, histologically proven N1 NPC who were treated at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center between November 2009 and February 2012 were analyzed. Computed tomography-derived GTVnd was measured using the summation-of-area technique. Blood samples were collected before treatment to quantify plasma EBV DNA. The receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the cut-off point for GTVnd, and the area under the ROC curve was used to assess the predicted validity of GTVnd. The survival rates were assessed by Kaplan-Meier analysis, and the survival curves were compared using a log-rank test. Multivariate analysis was conducted using the Cox proportional hazard regression model.Results: The 5-year distant metastasis-free survival(DMFS) rates for patients with GTVnd > 18.9 vs.≤ 18.9 mL were82.2% vs. 93.2%(P < 0.001), and for patients with EBV DNA copy number > 4000 vs. < 4000 copies/mL were 83.5% vs.93.9%(P < 0.001). After adjusting for GTVnd, EBV DNA copy number, and T category in the Cox regression model, both GTVnd > 18.9 mL and EBV DNA copy number > 4000 copies/mL were significantly associated with poor prognosis(both P < 0.05). According to combination of GTVnd and EBV DNA copy number, all patients were divided into low-,moderate-, and high-risk groups, with the 5-year DMFS rates of 96.1,87.4, and 73.8%, respectively(P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis confirmed the prognostic value of this model for distant metastatic risk stratification(hazard ratio [HR],4.17; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.34-7.59; P < 0.001).Conclusions: GTVnd and serum EBV DNA copy number are independent prognostic factors for predicting distant metastasis in NPC patients with N1 disease. The prognostic model incorporating GTVnd and EBV DNA copy number may improve metastatic risk stratification for this group of patients.

Epstein-Barr virus and Burkitt lymphoma

In 1964,a new herpesvirus,Epstein-Barr virus(EBV),was discovered in cultured tumor cells derived from a Burkitt lymphoma(BL)biopsy taken from an African patient.This was a momentous event that reinvigorated research into viruses as a possible cause of human cancers.Subsequent studies demonstrated that EBV was a potent growth-transforming agent for primary B cells,and that all cases of BL carried characteristic chromosomal translocations resulting in constitutive activation of the c-MYC oncogene.These results hinted at simple oncogenic mechanisms that would make Burkitt lymphoma paradigmatic for cancers with viral etiology.In reality,the pathogenesis of this tumor is rather complicated with regard to both the contribution of the virus and the involvement of cellular oncogenes.Here,we review the current understanding of the roles of EBV and c-MYC in the pathogenesis of BL and the implications for new therapeutic strategies to treat this lymphoma.

Epigenetic dysregulation in Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric carcinoma: Disease and treatments

Epstein-Barr virus(EBV)-associated gastric carcinoma(EBVaGC)comprises nearly 10%of gastric carcinoma cases worldwide.Recently,it was recognised to have unique clinicopathologic characteristics,including male predominance,lower rates of lymph node involvement,and better prognosis.EBVaGC is further characterised by abnormal hypermethylation of tumour suppressor gene promoter regions,causing down-regulation of their expression.In the present review,we critically discuss the role of EBV in gastric carcinogenesis,summarising the role of viral proteins and microRNAs with respect to aberrant methylation in EBVaGC.Given the role of epigenetic dysregulation in tumourigenesis,epigenetic modifiers may represent a novel therapeutic strategy.

Epstein-Barr virus:Silent companion or causative agent of chronic liver disease?

The Epstein-Barr virus(EBV)has an important and multifaceted role in liver pathology.As a member of the herpes virus family,EBV establishes a persistent infection in more than 90%of adults.Besides acute hepatitis during primary infection,many clinical syndromes of interest for the hepatologist are associated with EBV infection.The role of EBV in the evolution of chronic hepatitis from hepatotropic viruses is considered.Chronic EBVassociated hepatitis is suspected in immunocompetent adults with compatible serology,suggestive histology and detection of the viral genome in the liver and/or increase of specific circulating cytotoxic T-lymphocytes.EBV is the main cause of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders which occur in up to 30%of cases.EBV-driven lymphoproliferative diseases are also recognized in non-immunocompromised patients and liver is involved in up to a third of the cases.Directly implicated in the pathogenesis of different tumors,EBV has a disputable role in hepatocellular carcinoma carcinogenesis.Further research is required in order to establish or reject the role of EBV in human liver cancer.This paper attempts to discuss the range of EBV-associated chronic liver diseases in immunocompetent patients,from mild,self-limiting mononuclear hepatitis to liver cancer.

Epstein-Barr virus-associated lymphoepithelioma-like early gastric carcinomas and endoscopic submucosal dissection: Case series

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated lymphoepithelioma-like gastric carcinoma (LELC) is characterized by a lower lymph node (LN) metastasis rate and a higher survival rate than other forms of gastric cancer. Although current prognosis for LELC is favorable, the most common approach is radical gastrectomy involving an extensive D2 lymph node dissection. Here, we report four cases of EBV-associated early LELC that were treated by an alternative approach, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). The long-term outcome of this procedure is discussed. All patients were treated by ESD en bloc, and all ESD specimens showed tumor-free lateral resection margins. None of the lesions showed lymphovascular invasion. A pathological examination of ESD specimens revealed submucosal invasion of more than 500 &#x003bc;m in all four cases. One patient underwent additional radical surgery post-ESD; no residual tumor or LN metastasis was noted in the surgical specimen. The other three patients did not undergo additional surgery, either because of severe comorbidity or their refusal to undergo operation, but were subjected to medical follow-up. None of the ESD-treated patients reported local recurrence or distant metastases during the 27-32 mo of follow-up after ESD.

Serological diagnosis of Epstein-Barr virus infection: Problems and solutions

Serological tests for antibodies specific for Epstein-Barr virus(EBV) antigens are frequently used to define infection status and for the differential diagnosis of other pathogens responsible for mononucleosis syndrome. Using only three parameters [viral capsid antigen(VCA) Ig G, VCA Ig M and EBV nuclear antigen(EBNA)-1 Ig G],it is normally possible to distinguish acute from past infection: the presence of VCA Ig M and VCA Ig G without EBNA-1 Ig G indicates acute infection, whereas the presence of VCA Ig G and EBNA-1 Ig G without VCA Ig M is typical of past infection. However, serological findings may sometimes be difficult to interpret as VCA Ig G can be present without VCA Ig M or EBNA-1 Ig G in cases of acute or past infection, or all the three parameters may be detected simultaneously in the case of recent infection or during the course of reactivation. A profile of isolated EBNA-1 Ig G may also create some doubts. In order to interpret these patterns correctly, it is necessary to determine Ig G avidity, identify anti-EBV Ig G and Ig M antibodies by immunoblotting, and look for heterophile antibodies, anti-EA(D) antibodies or viral genome using molecular biology methods. These tests make it possible to define the status of the infection and solve any problems that may arise in routine laboratory practice.

Plasma Epstein-Barr virus DNA as a biomarker for nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC)is common in southern China and Southeast Asia.Epstein-Barr virus(EBV)infection is an important etiology for NPC,and EBV genome can be detected in almost all tumor tissues of NPC in this region.Plasma EBV DNA,when quantitatively analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR),has been developed as a biomarker for NPC.In this review,the different clinical applications of plasma EBV DNA in the management of NPC,including screening,monitoring,and prognostication,are discussed.In addition,the biological issues of circulating EBV DNA,including the molecular nature and clearance kinetics,are also explored.

Epstein-Barr virus infection and persistence in nasopharyngeal epithelial cells

Epstein-Barr virus(EBV) infection is closely associated with undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC), strongly implicating a role for EBV in NPC pathogenesis; conversely, EBV infection is rarely detected in normal nasopharyngeal epithelial tissues. In general, EBV does not show a strong tropism for infecting human epithelial cells, and EBV infection in oropharyngeal epithelial cells is believed to be lytic in nature. To establish life-long infection in humans, EBV has evolved efficient strategies to infect B cells and hijack their cellular machinery for latent infection. Lytic EBV infection in oropharyngeal epithelial cells, though an infrequent event, is believed to be a major source of infectious EBV particles for salivary transmission. The biological events associated with nasopharyngeal epithelial cells are only beginning to be understood with the advancement of EBV infection methods and the availability of nasopharyngeal epithelial cell models for EBV infection studies. EBV infection in human epithelial cells is a highly inefficient process compared to that in B cells, which express the complement receptor type 2(CR2) to mediate EBV infection. Although receptor(s) on the epithelial cell surface for EBV infection remain(s) to be identified, EBV infection in epithelial cells could be achieved via the interaction of glycoproteins on the viral envelope with surface integrins on epithelial cells, which might trigger membrane fusion to internalize EBV in cells. Normal nasopharyngeal epithelial cells are not permissive for latent EBV infection, and EBV infection in normal nasopharyngeal epithelial cells usually results in growth arrest. However, genetic alterations in premalignant nasopharyngeal epithelial cells, including p16 deletion and cyclin D1 overexpression, could override the growth inhibitory effect of EBV infection to support stable and latent EBV infection in nasopharyngeal epithelial cells. The EBV episome in NPC is clonal in nature, suggesting that NPC develops from a single EBV-infected nasopharyngeal epithelial cell, and the establishment of persistent and latent EBV infection in premalignant nasopharyngeal epithelium may represent an early and critical event for NPC development.

The interplay of host genetic factors and Epstein-Barr virus in the development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

The interplay between host cell genetics and Epstein-Barr virus(EBV) infection contributes to the development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC). Understanding the host genetic and epigenetic alterations and the influence of EBV on cell signaling and host gene regulation will aid in understanding the molecular pathogenesis of NPC and provide useful biomarkers and targets for diagnosis and therapy. In this review, we provide an update of the oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes associated with NPC, as well as genes associated with NPC risk including those involved in carcinogen detoxification and DNA repair. We also describe the importance of host genetics that govern the human leukocyte antigen(HLA) complex and immune responses, and we describe the impact of EBV infection on host cell signaling changes and epigenetic regulation of gene expression. High-power genomic sequencing approaches are needed to elucidate the genetic basis for inherited susceptibility to NPC and to identify the genes and pathways driving its molecular pathogenesis.

Polymorphisms of Epstein-Barr virus BHRF1 gene, a homologue of bcl-2

Background and Objective: EBV BamHI fragment H rightward open reading frame 1 (BHRF1), the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) early gene, is structurally and functionally homologous to the oncogene bcl-2 and may play an important role in the development of EBV-associated tumors. To characterize the polymorphisms of BHRF1 in EBV-associated tumors, we analyzed the sequences of BHRF1 in isolates from nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and EBV-associated gastric carcinoma (EBVaGC) biopsies as well as throat washing (TW) samples from healthy donors. Methods: BHRF1 DNA sequences were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing for 39 NPC samples, 40 EBVaGC samples, and 53 EBV-positive TW samples from healthy donors. The variants of BHRF1 gene were classified according to the signature changes. The EBV types 1 and 2 at nuclear antigen (EBNA) 3C locus were determined by PCR. Results: Compared with EBV standard cell line B95-8, all isolates carried a silent mutation at amino acid (AA) 80 (nucleotide 54616 T→C), the AA88 L→V mutation was found in most isolates, and the AA79 V→L mutation in a few isolates. Other mutations were sporadically distributed. Based on the mutations at AA88 and AA79, 3 distinct variants of BHRF1 genes, designated as 79V88V, 79L88L, and 79V88L, were identified. The 79V88V was the most common variant. The distribution of the BHRF1 variants among the NPC, EBVaGC, and TW samples was not significant. The corresponding regions of bcl-2 homologues were conserved in all isolates except for 3 samples. The distribution of BHRF1 variants in type 1 and type 2 strains was significant different (P < 0.001, contingency coefficient was 0.554). Conclusions: The 79V88V is the dominant variant in NPC, EBVaGC, and TW samples from healthy donors and preferential linkages between BHRF1 and EBNA3C variants exist. Conserved BHRF1 in Bcl-2 homologous domains is helpful to remain the important role of BHRF1.

Recombinant Vaccinia Virus is an Effective and Non-perturbing Vector for Human Dendritic Cells Transfected with Epstein-Barr Virus Latent Membrane Protein 2A

ObjectiveTo study the effects of dendritic cells (DC) transfected with recombinant vaccinia virus encoding Epstein Barr virus (EBV) latent membrane protein 2A(LMP2A) gene,and to provide evidence for further investigation on the therapeutic vaccines against EBV associated malignancies. MethodsMature DC were transfected with EBV LMP2A recombinant vaccinia virus (rVV LMP2A). Before and after the transfection,the expression of surface antigens on mature DC including CD1a,CD83,CD40,CD80,HLA DR was measured by fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS) and the function of DC to stimulate allogeneic T cells proliferation was measured by mixed leukocyte reactions (MLR). ResultsLMP2A protein was highly expressed (66.1 %) in DC after the transfection of rVV LMP2A. No significant changes in the primary surface antigens expression and in the MLR were detected during the transfection. Transfected DC still had strong potential in stimulating the proliferation of allogeneic T cells. ConclusionRecombinant vaccinia virus was an effective and non perturbing vector to mediate the transfection of LMP2A into DC. The functions of mature DC were not affected significantly by the transfection of Vac LMP2A. This study could provide evidence for the further immunotherapy of EBV associated malignancies,e.g. nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Cancer stem-like cells in Epstein-Barr virus-associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Although the Epstein-Barr virus(EBV) has spread to all populations in the world, EBV-associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC) is prevalent only in South China and Southeast Asia. The role of EBV in the malignant transformation of nasopharyngeal epithelium is the main focus of current researches. Radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy have been successful in treating early stage NPC, but the recurrence rates remain high. Unfortunately, local relapse and metastasis are commonly unresponsive to conventional treatments. These recurrent and metastatic lesions are believed to arise from residual or surviving cells that have the properties of cancer stem cells. These cancer stem-like cells(CSCs) have the ability to selfrenew, differentiate, and sustain propagation. They are also chemo-resistant and can form spheres in anchorage-independent environments. This review summarizes recent researches on the CSCs in EBVassociated NPC, including the findings regarding cell surface markers, stem cell-related transcription factors, and various signaling pathways. In particular, the review focuses on the roles of EBV latent genes [latent membrane protein 1(LMP1) and latent membrane protein 2A(LMP2A)], cellular microRNAs, and adenosine triphosphate(ATP)-binding cassette chemodrug transporters in contributing to the properties of CSCs, including the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, stem-like transition, and chemo-resistance. Novel therapeutics that enhance the efficacy of radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy and inhibitors that suppress the properties of CSCs are also discussed.

Non-Epstein-Barr virus associated lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the inferior common bile duct

A carcinoma displaying undifferentiated features with dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltration is defined as a lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma(LEC),and some of LEC is associated with Epstein-Barr virus(EBV).All of the 13 previously reported cases of LEC of the biliary system were intrahepatic in location.Herein,we describe the first case of LEC of the inferior common bile duct.A 68-year-old Japanese man,who had been previously treated for hepatocellular carcinoma using microwave coagulation therapy,was found to have tumors of the common bile duct and pancreas head.Histopathological study of the resected tumor showed solid or cohesive nests of large undifferentiated cells with irregular large vesicular nuclei and nucleoli.Around the tumor cell nests,dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltration was observed.Focal glandular differentiation(approximately 5%) was also present.These histopathological features corresponded morphologically to LEC.Immunohistochemically,the tumor cells were positive for cytokeratin(CK) 7,CK 19 and CA19-9,but negative for CK 20 and Hep Par 1.In situ hybridization for Epstein Barr virus early small RNAs disclosed no nuclear signal in tumor cells.Therefore,a diagnosis of non-EBV-associated LEC of the inferior common bile duct was made.Although the prognosis of the biliary LEC is thought to be better than that of conventional cholangiocarcinoma,the differences in prognosis between EBV-positive and-negative cases have not yet been established.Therefore,additional case studies will be needed to clarify the clinicopathological features of LEC of the biliary tract.

Epstein-Barr virus and the origin of Hodgkin lymphoma

Although Epstein-Barr virus(EBV)is present in the malignant Hodgkin/Reed-Sternberg(HRS)cells of a proportion of cases of classical Hodgkin lymphoma(c HL),how the virus contributes to the pathogenesis of this disease remains poorly defined.It is clear from the studies of other EBV-associated cancers that the virus is usually not sufficient for tumor development and that other oncogenic co-factors are required.This article reviews what is known about the contribution of EBV to the pathogenesis of c HL and focuses on emerging evidence implicating chronic inflammation as a potential oncogenic co-factor in this malignancy.