The Epstein-Barr Virus Receptor

The Epstein-Barr virus is ubiquitous to the human race. It is responsible for numerous disease states such as infectious mononucleosis, Burkitt's lymphoma, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. It is an oncogenic DNA virus that is seen in Burkitt's lymphoma. The virus is tropic primarily for B lymphocytes and can exist in these cells as a lymphoblastoid cell line for the extent of its host existence. Once the viral genome is established, the virus can affect both the cellular and humoral immune response. However, other cells such as the oropharyngeal epithelial cell can be infected, but the exact mechanism of entry into these cells is unclear. Experimental studies have identified a complement receptor which binds to the Epstein-Barr virus. This receptor has been isolated and characterized on several different cell lines. Both the B lymphocytes and some oropharyngeal epithelial cells have this receptor incorporated into their plasma membrane. This receptor also binds the C3dfragment of the alternate complement system, which is known as CR2. Many aspects of the receptor's role in cells other than B lymphocytes remain to be established. A considerable amount of information has been accumulated concerning the receptor's role in the spread and overall infection process in B lymphocytes. The study of this receptor has been enhanced by several sensitive methodsfor detection, which has allowed the research community to broaden the effects of viral infection to other disease states. As these roles become more clear, we will begin to understand this virus through the study of this receptor, which will aid the medical community in diagnosing and treating patients inflicted by this virus.