Studies on Epstein-Barr Virus Aided by New Mouse Model

Researchers studying the long-term effects of infection by Epstein-Barr virus have developed a transgenic mouse model that will enable experiments to be conducted that may clarify how Epstein-Barr proteins interact with cells of the immune system.

Investigators at the University of Iowa (Iowa City, USA) developed a mouse line that expresses the Epstein-Barr latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1). LMP1 mimics the action of a normal human protein called CD40 that is associated with B cell signaling. In humans, LMP1 is produced when the latent virus becomes activated in individuals with suppressed immune systems. "The viral protein is an amazing mimic of the normal protein but, in a way, the viral protein does its functions too well,” explained senior author Dr. Gail Bishop, professor of microbiology at the University of Iowa. "The viral protein causes abnormal survival and activation of these B cells.”

Results from preliminary experiments with the new mouse model were published in the August 2004 issue of Immunity. The transgenic mice were found to produce excess autoantibodies as well as having certain problems with how cells are organized in the lymph nodes and spleen.

"Mice cannot be infected with Epstein-Barr because they do not have the receptor for this virus. What we have done is express in the mouse the most important transforming protein that is involved in the virus in humans,” said Dr. Bishop. "If the viral protein causes B cells to be hyperactive, this might increase the propensity of the small number of autoreactive B cells, which we all have, to become hyperactivated.”



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