Expression of epstein-barr virus encoded nuclear antigen 1 in benign and malignant tissues harbouring EBV.

Abstract

AIMS:

To determine levels of expression of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1) in benign and malignant tissues harbouring EBV in relation to EBNA1 promoter usage.

METHODS:

Expression of EBNA1 was investigated by means of immunohistochemistry using a mixture of two EBNA1 specific monoclonal antibodies, 1H4-1 and 2B4-1. The presence of EBV was detected by EBER1/2 RNA in situ hybridisation. Detection of promoter specific EBNA1 transcripts was by RT-PCR analysis.

RESULTS:

EBNA1 positive cells were detected in all 20 EBV associated B cell lymphomas, 18 of which had arisen in immunocompromised patients; in eight of nine EBV associated T cell lymphomas; in 11 of 27 EBV positive cases of Hodgkin's disease; and in reactive lymphoid tissue harbouring EBV, including four cases of infectious mononucleosis. A diffuse EBNA1 staining pattern was observed in most of the EBV associated B cell lymphomas and was comparable with the EBER1/2 staining pattern. In the T cell lymphomas the number of EBNA1 positive cells was usually considerably less than the number of EBER1/2 positive ones. RT-PCR analysis revealed that in tumours with restricted EBNA1 expression-that is, T cell lymphomas and Hodgkin's disease lesions, EBNA1 transcripts were usually generated only by the F/Q promoter, whereas in B cell lymphomas EBNA1 transcripts were usually generated by both the C/W and F/Q promoters.

CONCLUSIONS:

EBNA1 is expressed in all types of tissue harbouring EBV, but the level of expression varies greatly. This may be the result of differential promoter usage.

• Authors: J J Oudejans, D F Dukers, N M Jiwa, A J van den Brule, F A Grässer, P C de Bruin, A Horstman, W Vos, J van Gorp, J M Middeldorp, C J Meijer
• Journal: Journal of clinical pathology (J Clin Pathol) Vol. 49 Issue 11 Pg. 897-902 (Nov 1996) ISSN: 0021-9746 [Print] England
• PMID: 8944608 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Antigens, Viral

Topics

• Antigens, Viral (metabolism)
• Herpesvirus 4, Human (genetics, immunology)
• Hodgkin Disease (virology)
• Humans
• Immunocompromised Host
• Immunohistochemistry
• Infectious Mononucleosis (virology)
• Lymphoma (immunology, virology)
• Lymphoma, B-Cell (immunology, virology)
• Lymphoma, T-Cell (virology)
• Promoter Regions, Genetic (physiology)
• Transcription, Genetic