Epstein-barr virus nuclear antigen 1: from immunologically invisible to a promising T cell target

J Exp Med. 2004 May 17;199(10):1301-4. doi: 10.1084/jem.20040730.

Abstract

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1)--the one EBV antigen that is expressed in all EBV-associated malignancies--has long been thought to go undetected by the cell-mediated immune system. However, recent studies show that EBNA1 can be presented to both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, making it a potential new target for immunotherapy of EBV-related cancers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigens / immunology*
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Cellular
  • Neoplasms / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*

Substances

  • Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigens
  • EBV-encoded nuclear antigen 1