Expression of EBV-encoded genes in children with asymptomatic infection detected by sensitive methods

• Published in: Virology (New York, N.Y.) N.Y.), 2023-10, Vol.587, p.109847-109847, Article 109847
• Main Authors: Vistarop, A., Ferressini Gerpe, N.M., Preciado, M.V., De Matteo, E., Chabay, P.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: EBERs; EBNA2; EBV; Gene expression; LMP1; Pediatric
• ISSN: 0042-6822; 1096-0341
• DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2023.109847

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is an usually harmless virus whose oncogenic properties in vitro are related to its ability to transform lymphoid cells, and, in consequence, it can be associated with lymphomas. Since a few studies detected EBV presence in supposedly EBV-negative lymphomas, our aim was to evaluate EBV presence by sensitive gene expression assays in the tonsils from healthy pediatric donors from a region with high incidence of EBV-associated lymphomas. EBERs transcripts were detected by View RNA ISH in all cases, even in cases assessed negative by widely used in situ hybridization. The presence of LMP1 transcripts was proved in 93% of cases, co-expressed with EBNA2 in 30%. In this study, evidence for the expression of different latent and lytic viral genes in a population of young age of primary infection, detected with more sensitive methods, in particular at the germinal center, where most EBV-associated lymphomas originate, was provided. •EBV has been detected in viral-associated lymphomas with sensitive methods.•EBV and its viral genes were detected in tonsils from pediatric patients at the germinal center and interfollicular regions.•The expression of latent and lytic genes was confirmed by laser capture microdisection•More studies are required to further explore the involvement of EBV detected by this methods in EBV mediated lymphomagenesis.