A peptide-based inhibitor for prevention of B cell hyperproliferation induced by Epstein-Barr virus

Virology. 2006 Oct 10;354(1):207-14. doi: 10.1016/j.virol.2006.06.034. Epub 2006 Jul 31.

Abstract

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infects and transforms resting B lymphocytes in vitro. The virus can also cause B cell lymphomas in immunosuppressed humans. Indeed, EBV-mediated post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease causes significant complications in transplant recipients, including loss of the transplanted organ and even death. The limited treatment options include, nonspecific targeting of B cell surface antigens with monoclonal antibodies or withdrawal of immunosuppression. These therapies fail in approximately 50% of patients. Clearly, treatments that specifically target EBV-infected cells are desirable. The EBV antigen EBNA3C regulates cell cycle by targeting critical cellular complexes such as cyclin A/cdk2, SCF(Skp2), and Rb. Here, we use a 20-amino-acid EBNA3C-derived peptide, fused to an HIV TAT tag for efficient delivery, to disrupt cell cycle regulation by EBNA3C. The peptide inhibited hyperproliferation of EBV-infected B cell lines and reduced in vitro immortalization of primary B lymphocytes by EBV. Importantly, the peptide inhibited lymphoblastoid outgrowth from the blood of an EBV-positive transplant patient in vitro.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, Viral* / genetics
  • Antigens, Viral* / metabolism
  • B-Lymphocytes / cytology*
  • B-Lymphocytes / virology*
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects*
  • Cell Transformation, Viral
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigens
  • Female
  • Gene Products, tat / genetics
  • Gene Products, tat / pharmacology
  • Growth Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / pathogenicity*
  • Humans
  • Kidney Transplantation
  • Lymphoma / pathology
  • Lymphoma / virology
  • Peptide Fragments / pharmacokinetics
  • Peptide Fragments / pharmacology*
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / pharmacology

Substances

  • Antigens, Viral
  • EBNA-3C, epstein-barr virus
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigens
  • Gene Products, tat
  • Growth Inhibitors
  • Peptide Fragments
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins