Viral and host factors drive a type 1 Epstein-Barr virus spontaneous lytic phenotype.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infects over 95% of adults worldwide. Given its connection to various cancers and autoimmune disorders, it is important to understand the mechanisms by which infection with EBV can lead to these diseases. In this study, we describe an unusual spontaneous lytic phenotype in EBV strains isolated from Kenyan endemic Burkitt lymphoma patients. Because lytic replication of EBV has been linked to the pathogenesis of various diseases, these data could illuminate viral and host factors involved in this process.