The 30-bp deletion variant of Epstein-Barr virus-encoded latent membrane protein-1 prevails in acute infectious mononucleosis.

Abstract

To assess the frequency of malignancy-associated 30-bp deletion variants of the latent membrane protein 1 (LMP-1) in benign conditions, a comparative sequence analysis was done using samples from 20 American children with acute infectious mononucleosis and 16 Swiss children with chronic tonsillar hyperplasia. The 30-bp deletion variant (LMP-1-del) was present in 66% of patients (12/20 with infectious mononucleosis and 12/16 with tonsillar hyperplasia). Two additional patients had a 3-bp deletion and an inframe insertion of 18 nucleotides, respectively. All but 1 isolate had numerous nonsilent point mutations. These data identify a hypervariable region within the C-terminus of LMP-1, in a domain required for maximal stimulation of NF-kappaB activity. These data demonstrate that LMP-1-del variants are frequent in acute infectious mononucleosis and tonsillar hyperplasia and identical to those observed in Epstein-Barr virus-associated AIDS-related lymphoma.

• Authors: C Berger, C McQuain, J L Sullivan, D Nadal, P J Quesenberry, H Knecht
• Journal: The Journal of infectious diseases (J Infect Dis) Vol. 176 Issue 5 Pg. 1370-3 (Nov 1997) ISSN: 0022-1899 [Print] United States
• PMID: 9359741 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• EBV-associated membrane antigen, Epstein-Barr virus
• Viral Matrix Proteins

Topics

• Acute Disease
• Child
• Gene Deletion
• Herpesvirus 4, Human (pathogenicity)
• Humans
• Hyperplasia
• Infectious Mononucleosis (virology)
• Lymphoma, AIDS-Related (etiology)
• Palatine Tonsil (pathology)
• Point Mutation
• Viral Matrix Proteins (genetics)