Tissue markers of Epstein-Bar virus (EBV) infection in B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.

UNLABELLED

AIM OF the study was to analyze the cellular expression of two latent Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) proteins and one of the lytic protein, two small RNAs (EBERs) and EBV DNA in children and adult patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHLs) and to characterise more strictly patterns of EBV latency in both groups of patients in our country.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The studies were performed on an archive tissue material from 26 children and from 27 adults with B-cell NHLs. The studies used immunocytochemical techniques, in situ hybridisation, and PCR.

RESULTS

The detectability and expression of EBV infection were significantly higher in children with B-cell NHLs as compared to adult patients. Expression of EBNA2 and LMP1 and that of EBERs in B-cell NHLs involved mainly cells of CD20(+) phenotype. Positive correlation was confirmed between expression of EBNA2 and LMP1 as well as between expression of the two proteins and EBERs in children with B-cell NHLs. Also in children with B-cell NHLs, type III latency form dominated. In adults the latency forms were more variable. We have demonstrated a novel form of EVB latency with no EBERs expression, noted in children as well as in adults with B-cell NHLs.

CONCLUSIONS

The significantly higher cellular expression and higher detectability of latent EBV infection in B-cell NHLs in children as compared to adults points to a potential role of EBV infection in the pathogenesis of lymphoma, particularly in this age group of patients.