Changes in milk fat globule membrane proteins along lactation stage of Laoshan dairy goat

The milk fat globule membrane(MFGM)is a complex structure with numerous functions,and its composition is affected by many factors.There have been few systematic investigations on goat MFGM proteome profiling during lactation.Individual milk samples from 15 healthy dairy goats were obtained at six lactation time points for investigation of the MFGM proteome using both data-independent acquisition(DIA)and data-dependent acquisition(DDA)proteomics techniques combined with multivariate statistical analysis.Using the DIA method,890 variably abundant MFGM proteins were discovered throughout the lactation cycle.From 1 to 240 d,butyrophilin subfamily 1 member A1,lipoprotein lipase,perilipin-2,and adipose triglyceride lipase were upregulated,while APOE,complement C3,clusterin,and IgG were downregulated.Furthermore,from 1 to 90 d,annexin A1,annexin A2,and antithrombin-ll were downregulated,then upregulated by d 240.Albumin had a high degree of connectedness,indicating that it was a key protein,according to protein-protein interaction research.Overall,our findings gave new insights into the biological features of MFGM protein in goat milk throughout lactation,which may aid in the creation of specialized MFGM products and infant formula.

Mitochondrial membrane protein Bcl-xL, a regulator of adult neuronal growth and synaptic plasticity: multiple functions beyond apoptosis

The B-cell lymphoma 2 （Bcl2） family of proteins participates in cell death or survival through a mitochondrial pathway. The pro-apoptotic members of the Bcl2 family such as Bim, Bid, Bax and Bak trigger cell death by contributing to the enhancement of mitochondrial outer membrane permeabil- ity to pro-apoptotic factors such as cytochrome c, with the subsequent activation of caspases. The anti-apoptotic mem- bers, such as B-cell lymphoma-extra large （Bd-xL）, block the pro-apoptotic Bcl2 members and prevent cell death. Bcl-xL is abundantly expressed during development and in mature neurons, suggesting that it plays a role in protection from death from untoward events occurring in adult life such as ischemia, inflammation or trauma. When these neurotoxic in- sults occur, Bcl-xL translocates to mitochondria and prevents activation and homo-oligomerization of pro-apoptotic family members such Bax and Bak. Numerous studies have shown pro-survival roles for Bcl-xL in adult neurons using various models; nevertheless, the role of Bcl-xL outside of the field of neuronal death, i.e., in adult neuronal growth, excitability or synaptic plasticity, has not been studied in depth.

Analysis of Sperm Membrane Protein Relevant to Antisperm Antibody by Two-Dimensional Gel Electrophoresis and Western Blotting

Objective To identify the sperm membrane proteins that are associated with antisperm antibody Methods Using antisperm antibody positive serum through unidimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis followed by Western blot analysis to determine the molecular weights (MW) and isoelectric points (pI) of sperm membrane proteins that are associated with antisperm antibody. Results Eight kinds of MW with more than ten sperm membrane proteins can be recognized by antisperm antibody positive serum, of which the MWs and pI were 23 kD, 31 kD, 32 kD, 34 kD, 41 kD, 51 kD, 60 kD, 78 kD and 5.3, 5.5,5.7, 5.0, 5.3, 5.8, 6.0, 5.5～6.2, 4.6,5.1,5.5～5.8 respectively. The identification ratios of the sperm membrane proteins on 78 kD (60.7%), 60 kD (71.4%), 51 kD (14.9%) and 23 kD (14.29%) were higher. Conclusion The sperm membrane proteins with MW of 78 kD, 60 kD, 51 kD and 23 kD were associated with antisperm antibody and immunological infertility. Two- dimensional gel electrophoresis and Western blotting can precisely identify the sperm membrane proteins that are associated with antisperm antibody.

Development and Evaluation of a MAb-Based ELISA for Detection of Chlamy- dophila pneumoniae Infection with Variable Domain 2 and 3 of the Major Outer Membrane protein

Objective This paper aims to develop a monoclonal antibodies （MAbs）- based ELISA for detecting Chlamydophila pneumoniae （C. pneumonioe） antigens in humans with the variable domains （VD） 2 and 3 of the major outer membrane protein （MOMPvD2-VD~） and to assess its sensitivity and specificity by comparing with a widely used MAb that is able to recognize the elementary bodies of C. pneumoniae. Methods MOMPvo2-vo3were overexpressed in Escherichia coil and purified by affinity chromatography. Mice were immunized with the recombinant antigen, and hybridomas secreting MAbs were screened. Three stable hybridomas clones were selected and named 5D6, 7G3, and 8C9. The MAbs-based ELISA was scrutinized for species-specific recognition with a number of human throat swab samples from Group I （156 patients with typical respiratory illness clinically confirmed before） and Group II （57 healthy donors）. Results In Group I, 55 positive cases were detected by anti-EB MAb-based ELISA, 51 cases were positive by MAbs 5D6-based ELISA, and 33 and 38 cases were positive by MAb 8C9 and 7G3-based ELISA respectively. Of the 57 samples from Group II ＂healthy donors＂, 5 were positive and 52 were negative with both anti-EB and 5D6-based tests, while 2 and 3 positive cases were identified by the other two MAb-based ELISAs respectively. Conclusion The novel MOMPvD2.VD3 MAb-based assay may have higher specificity than the anti-EB MAb, which may possibly be used as an alternative tool for the diagnosis of C. pneumoniae infection.

Antimicrobial Susceptibility and Characterization of Outer Membrane Proteins of Aeromonas hydrophila Isolated in China

Aeromonas hydrophila isolates from clinical cases （n=43） were tested against 8 antimicrobial agents and typed by outer membrane protein （OMP） pattern by using sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis. All isolates were resistant to ampicillin （MICs, ≥16 μg mL-1） and sulfamonomethoxine （MICs≥64 μg mLl）, but susceptible to norfloxacin （MICs,≤0.5 μg mL-1）. There was a high incidence of resistance to erythromycin （90.70%） and tylosin （93.02%）, while a low incidences of resistance to ciprofloxacin （2.33%）, enrofloxacin （2.33%） and florfenicol （4.65%）. Six different outer membrane protein patterns were found among 34 isolates by analyzing proteins in the range of 22 to 50 kDa, other than 9 isolates with their respective profiles. The strains with the similar OMP profiles had similar resistances. Compared with the other strains from the same OMP patterns, NB-1, A.Pun and MR-1 had lacked the proteins in the range of 30 to 45 kDa and their resistance to florfenicol substantially increased. It is speculated that the outer membrane protein changes might correlate with decreased susceptibility to florfenicol in the three strains. Some strains which showed completely identical OMP types had a little difference in their resistance to fluoroquinolones, indicating that there might be other factors that were involved in the antimicrobial resistance of A. hydrophila.

Antibody Therapies Targeting Complex Membrane Proteins

In analyses of protein families that may serve as drug targets,membrane-associated G-protein-coupled receptors(GPCRs)dominate,followed by ion channels,transporters,and—to a lesser extent—membrane-bound enzymes.However,various challenges put such membrane proteins among key groups of underutilized opportunities for the application of therapeutic antibodies.Antibodies hold the promise of exquisite specificity,as they are able to target even specific conformations of a particular membrane protein,as well as adaptability through engineering into various antibody formats.However,the ease of raising and isolating specific,effective antibodies targeting membrane proteins depends on many factors.In particular,the generation of specific antibodies is easier when targeting larger,simpler,extracellular domains with greater uniqueness of amino acid sequence.The rareness of such ideal conditions is illustrated by the limited number of approved biologics for targeting GPCRs and other complex membrane proteins.Challenges in developing antibodies to complex membrane proteins such as GPCRs,ion channels,transporters,and membrane-bound enzymes can be addressed by the design of the antigen,antibody-generation strategies,lead optimization technologies,and antibody modalities.A better understanding of the membrane proteins being targeted would facilitate mechanism-based drug discovery.This review describes the advantages and challenges of targeting complex membrane proteins with antibodies and discusses the preparation of membrane protein antigens and antibody generation,illustrated by select examples of success.

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).

Effects of Monoclonal Antibody Against Adipocyte-Specific Membrane Protein on Lipid Metabolism in Pigs

This study was to investigate the regulation of monoclonal antibodies against adipocyte membrane proteins （McAb） on lipid metabolism in pigs. Forty Landrace x Saba pigs were randomly divided into eight groups; the control group was given 10 mL saline and the treat groups were given monoclonal antibody against adipocyte-specific membrane protein with 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 mg kg-I body weight at 15 and 60 kg body weight, respectively, by intraperitoneal injection. The results showed that McAb could increase, significantly, serum lipoprotein lipase activity and reduce serum nonesterified fatty acid （NEFA） content. Meanwhile, McAb increased content of serum lipid, triglyceride （TG）, cholesterol （CHO）, high density lipoprotein （HDL）, and low density lipoprotein （LDL） both at 15 and 60 kg body weight. However, McAb affected more significantly the lipid metabolism at 15 kg body weight than at 60 kg body weight. Moreover, this effect of McAb on lipid metabolism exhibited dose-dependent effect. These results suggested that this monoclonal antibody increased lipase activity, promoted lipolysis, and utilization of lipid so that McAb could be applied to restrain excessive fat deposition in porcine production through the regulation of fat metabolism.

Generation and Identification of Monoclonal Antibody Against Porcine Adipocyte Plasma Membrane Proteins

Production of monoclonal antibody against porcine adipocyte plasma membrane proteins to explore a new way of controlling body fat deposition and improving carcass quality is discussed in this article. Membrane proteins of pig adipocyte plasma membrane proteins were extracted with the help of sucrose density gradient centrifugation, and two kinds of proteins were obtained. The monoclonal antibody （designated 3B2 and 3F3） of IgG1 and IgG2b subclass against adipocyte membrane proteins were produced by immunization, with adipocyte membrane proteins as an antigen, and its titer was 1：105 detected by enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay （ELISA）. The cell strains were identified by analyzing the number of chromosomes, the heat stability, the acid and alkali, the types and subtypes of immnoglobulin, and its peculiarities and affinities. Through identification, the chromosome number of hybridoma cell strains was from 80 to 100 and the strains formed good hybridomas colonies. The strains＇ affinity constants were 4.63 × 10^9 and 3.75 × 10^9 （mol L^-1）-1, respectively. At the same time, the McAb secreted was stable to environmental factors, such as, temperature, acid, alkali and so on. The monoclonal antibodies had been obtained and their specificity to porcine adipocyte plasma membrane proteins had been identified.

An Inner Membrane Protein(Imp) of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola Functions in Carbon Acquisition, EPS Production, Bacterial Motility and Virulence in Rice

Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola （Xoc） causes bacterial leaf streak, a devastating disease in rice-growing regions worldwide. A Tn5-insertion mutant in Xoc_3248, encoding an inner membrane protein （Imp）, showed reduced virulence in rice. To explore the potential function of this gene in virulence, a deletion mutant R？imp was constructed in the wild-type RS105. The R？imp mutant was signiifcantly impaired for bacterial virulence and growth in planta. The mutation in imp made the pathogen insufifciently utilize glucose, fructose, mannose or pyruvate as a sole carbon source, leading to less extracellular polysaccharide （EPS） production and reduced motility. The deifciencies noted for the mutant were restored to wild-type levels when imp was introduced in trans. Transcription of imp was signiifcantly declined when hrpG and hrpX was mutated and the expression of hrpG and hrpX was also signiifcantly declined when imp was deleted. Cell sublocalization in planta showed Imp membrane-binding feature. These results suggest that Imp is a virulence factor with roles in the catabolism of sugars, EPS production, and bacterial motility.

Extraction and identification of membrane proteins from black widow spider eggs

The eggs of oviparous animals are storehouses of maternal proteins required for embryonic development. Identification and molecular characterization of such proteins will provide much insight into the regulation of embryonic development. We previously analyzed soluble proteins in the eggs of the black widow spider （Latrodectus tredecimguttatus）, and report here on the extraction and mass spectrometric identification of the egg membrane proteins. Comparison of different lysis solutions indicated that the highest extraction of the membrane proteins was achieved with 3%-4% sodium laurate in 40 mmol/L Tris-HCI buffer containing 4% CHAPS and 2% DTT （pH 7.4）. SDS-PAGE combined with nLC- MS/MS identified 39 proteins with membranelocalization annotation, including those with structural, catalytic, and regulatory activities. Nearly half of the identified membrane proteins were metabolic enzymes involved in various cellular processes, particularly energy metabolism and biosynthesis, suggesting that relevant metabolic processes were active during the embryonic development of the eggs. Several identified cell membrane proteins were involved in the special structure formation and function of the egg cell membranes. The present proteomic analysis of the egg membrane proteins provides new insight into the molecular mechanisms of spider embryonic development.

Expression and Purification of SARS Coronavirus Membrane Protein

To construct a recombinant plasmid Pet23a-M, the gene encoding severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus membrane protein was amplified by RT-PCR and cloned into the expression plasmid Pet23a. Results of restriction endonuclease analysis, PCR detection and DNA sequencing analysis revealed that the cloned DNA sequence was the same as that reported. The recombinants were transformed into Escherichia coli (E.Coli) BL21 (DE3) and induced by Isopropyl-β-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG). The expression of 27 kD (1 kD=0.9921 ku) protein was detected by SDS-PAGE and pured by metal chelated chromatography. Results of Western-blot showed that this expressed protein could react with antibodies in sera of SARS patients during convalescence. This provided the basis for the further study on SARS virus vaccine and diagnostic agents.

Effects of Monoclonal Antibody Against Porcine 40-kDa Adipocyte-Specific Membrane Protein on Endocrine Secretion in Pigs

The present study was to investigate the effect of monoclonal antibody against porcine 40-kDa adipocyte-specific membrane protein on endocrine secretion in pigs, in order to provide the evidence for application of this antibody to reduce excessive fat deposition in pig production. 40 Landrace×Saba pigs were randomly divided into 8 groups： 2 control groups were given saline with 10 mL, respectively, and the 6 treatment groups were given monoclonal antibody against porcine 40-kDa adipocyte-specific membrane protein with 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 mg ·kg^-1 body weight at 15 or 60 kg body weight, respectively, all treatments were performed by intraperitoneal injection. The results showed that this monoclonal antibody could significantly reduce serum insulin level and increase levels of serum growth hormone （GH）, insulin-like growth factor-1（IGF-1）, triiodothyronine （T3）, and tetraiodothyronine （T4） either at 15 or 60 kg body weight injection. However, more marked effect was observed at 15 kg body weight treatment. Moreover, the dose-dependent effect of this monoclonal antibody on endocrine secretion was also observed. This result revealed that this monoclonal antibody increased secretion of hormones regulating fat lysis and reduced secretion of hormones regulating fat synthesis, suggests the reduction of porcine excessive fat deposition by this monoclonal antibody was carried out through affecting hormones regulating fat metabolism.

Immunoproteomic Analysis of Bordetella bronchiseptica Outer Membrane Proteins and Identification of New Immunogenic Proteins

Bordetella bronchiseptica is a Gram-negative pathogen that causes acute and chronic respiratory infection in a variety of animals. To identify useful antigen candidates for diagnosis and subunit vaccine of B. bronchiseptica, immunoproteomic analysis was adopted to analyse outer membrane proteins of it. The outer membrane proteins extracted from B. bronchiseptica were separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and analyzed by Western blotting for their reactivity with the convalescent serum against two strains. Immunogenic proteins were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight-mass spectrometry（MALDI-TOF-MS）, a total of 14 proteins are common immunoreactive proteins, of which 1 was known antigen and 13 were novel immunogenic proteins for B. bronchiseptica. Putative lipoprotein gene was cloned and recombinantly expressed. The recombinant protein induced high titer antibody, but showed low protective indices against challenges with HB（B. bronchiseptica strain isolated from a infected rabbit）. The mortality of mice was 80% compared to 100% of positive controls. The identification of these novel antigenic proteins is an important resource for further development of a new diagnostic test and vaccine for B. bronchiseptica.

C-type lectins and human epithelial membrane protein1:Are they new proteins in keratin disorders?

Here we report a family with a clinical spectrum of Pachyonychia Congenita Tarda (PCT) encompassing two generations via a balanced chromosomal translocation between 4q26 and 12p12.3. We discuss the effects of chromosomal translocations on gene expression through involved breakpoints and structural gene abnormalities detected by array CGH. We believe that the family we present gives further insight to the better understanding of molecular and structural basis of keratin disorders, and to the late onset and genetic basis of PCT through the possible role of C-type lectins and human epithelial membrane protein1 (EMP1). Better understanding of the molecular basis of keratin disorders is the foundation for improved diagnosis, genetic counseling and novel therapeutic approaches to overcome the current treatment limitations related to this disease.

Aptamer-based Membrane Protein Analysis and Molecular Diagnostics

Membrane proteins are vital components of the cell membrane and play crucial roles in various cellular activities.Analysis of membrane proteins is of paramount importance for studying molecular events inside cells and organisms and holds promising prospects for early disease diagnosis and treatment assessment.Benefiting from obvious merits including high affinity,high specificity and ease of modification,aptamers have been regarded as ideal molecular recognition elements in membrane protein analysis and molecular diagnostics strategies.This review summarised recent advances in membrane protein-specific aptamer screening,aptamer-based static and dynamic membrane protein analysis,and aptamer-based molecular diagnostic techniques.Prospects and challenges were also discussed.

The endoplasmic reticulum membrane protein complex subunit Emc6 is essential for rhodopsin localization and photoreceptor cell survival

The endoplasmic reticulum(ER)membrane protein complex(EMC)is responsible for monitoring the biogenesis and synthetic quality of membrane proteins with tail-anchored or multiple transmembrane domains.The EMC subunit EMC6 is one of the core members of EMC and forms an enclosed hydrophilic vestibule in cooperation with EMC3.Despite studies demonstrating that deletion of EMC3 led to rhodopsin mislocalization in rod photoreceptors of mice,the precise mechanism leading to the failure of rhodopsin trafficking remains unclear.Here,we generated the first rod photoreceptor-specific knockout of Emc6(RKO)and cone photoreceptor-specific knockout of Emc6(CKO)mouse models.Deficiency of Emc6 in rod photoreceptors led to progressive shortening of outer segments(OS),impaired visual function,mislocalization and reduced expression of rhodopsin,and increased gliosis in rod photoreceptors.In addition,CKO mice displayed the progressive death of cone photoreceptors and abnormal localization of cone opsin protein.Subsequently,proteomics analysis of the RKO mouse retina illustrated that several cilium-related proteins,particularly anoctamin-2(ANO2)and transmembrane protein 67(TMEM67),were significantly down-regulated prior to OS degeneration.Detrimental rod photoreceptor cilia and mislocalized membrane disc proteins were evident in RKO mice.Our data revealed that in addition to monitoring the synthesis of rhodopsin-dominated membrane disc proteins,EMC6 also impacted rod photoreceptors'ciliogenesis by regulating the synthesis of membrane proteins associated with cilia,contributing to the mislocalization of membrane disc proteins.

Artificial Nucleic Acid Tractor-Directed Simultaneous Depletion of Oncogenic Membrane Proteins Without Hijacking Proteolysis-Specific Actuator

Targeted protein degradation(TPD)is an emerging tool for degrading proteins of interest,which affords an attractive modality for cancer therapy.However,the present TPD technologies must engage a proteolysis-specific actuator to initiate degradation of targeted proteins in the proteasome or lysosome.Herein,we report an artificial tractor that can induce endocytosis-mediated protein depletion without hijacking a proteolysis-specific actuator.In this design,bispecific aptamer chimeras(BSACs)are established,which can bridge human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(ErbB-2),an important biomarker in a common important biomarker in cancer,with membrane proteins of interest.Taking advantage of the property of aptamer-induced endocytosis and digestion of ErbB-2,another membrane protein is translocated into the lysosome in a hitchhike-like manner,resulting in lysosomal proteolysis along with ErbB-2.This strategy frees the TPD from the fundamental limitation of proteolysis-specific actuator and allows simultaneous regulation of the quantity and function of two oncogenic receptors in a cell-type-specific manner,expanding the application scope of TPD-based therapeutics.

Nanotopographic micro-nano forces finely tune the conformation of macrophage mechanosensitive membrane protein integrinβ_(2)to manipulate inflammatory responses

Finely tuning mechanosensitive membrane proteins holds great potential in precisely controlling inflammatory responses.In addition to macroscopic force,mechanosensitive membrane proteins are reported to be sensitive to micro-nano forces.Integrinβ_(2),for example,might undergo a piconewton scale stretching force in the activation state.High-aspect-ratio nanotopographic structures were found to generate nN-scale biomechanical force.Together with the advantages of uniform and precisely tunable structural parameters,it is fascinating to develop low-aspect-ratio nanotopographic structures to generate micro-nano forces for finely modulating their conformations and the subsequent mechanoimmiune responses.In this study,low-aspect-ratio nanotopographic structures were developed to finely manipulate the conformation of integrinβ_(2).The direct interaction of forces and the model molecule integrinαXβ_(2)was first performed.It was demonstrated that pressing force could successfully induce conformational compression and deactivation of integrinαXβ_(2),and approximately 270 to 720 pN may be required to inhibit its conformational extension and activation.Three low-aspect-ratio nanotopographic surfaces(nanohemispheres,nanorods,and nanoholes)with various structural parameters were specially designed to generate the micro-nano forces.It was found that the nanorods and nanohemispheres surfaces induce greater contact pressure at the contact interface between macrophages and nanotopographic structures,particularly after cell adhesion.These higher contact pressures successfully inhibited the conformational extension and activation of integrinβ_(2),suppressing focal adhesion activity and the downstream PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,reducing NF-κB signaling and macrophage inflammatory responses.Our findings suggest that nanotopographic structures can be used to finely tune mechanosensitive membrane protein conformation changes,providing an effective strategy for precisely modulating inflammatory responses.

Role of Epstein-Barr Virus Encoded Latent Membrane Protein 1 in the Carcinogenesis of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Epstein-Barr virus （EBV）-encoded latent membrane protein 1 （LMPI） has been known to have oncogenic properties during latent infection in nasopharyngeal carcinoma （NPC）. Our studies focused on the role of LMP1 in NPC, and showed that LMP1 triggers the NF-κB, AP-1 and STAT signaling pathways. Strikingly, LMP1 was found to mediate the formation of a new heterodimer between c-Jun and JunB. Also, we have identified JAK/STAT and PI-PLC-PKC activation triggered by LMP1 through upregulating the expression of JAK3 and enhancing the phosphorylation of STATo The constitutive activation of these signaling cascades explains LMP1＇s ability to induce such a diverse array of morphological and phenotypic effects in cells and provides insight into how LMP1 may induce cell transformation, in which multihit targeted genes in the downstream play an essential role. All signaling cascades triggered by LMP1 ultimately lead to the disruption of the cell cycle： the acceleration of G1/S phase and the arrest of G2/M phase. We also found that LMP1 induced the expression of hTERT and promoted cell immortalization. Importantly, by intervening physical intracellular signal transduction pathways and disturbing the progression of the cell cycle, LMP1, an important oncoprotein encoded by EBV, is thought to be a key modulator in the pathogenesis of NPC. Interfering LMP1 signaling could be a promising strategy to target the malignant phenotype of NPC. Cellular ＆ Molecular Immunology.