Relevance of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) miRNAs in EBV-Infected B Cells and B-Cell Lymphomas

TL;DR

This review explores how Epstein-Barr virus microRNAs contribute to B-cell lymphoma by regulating immune evasion and cell growth.

Contribution

The paper compiles current evidence on EBV miRNA functions in B cells and their role in lymphoma development.

Findings

EBV miRNAs help the virus evade the immune system and promote B-cell survival.

These miRNAs regulate cancer-related pathways and contribute to B-cell transformation.

Profiling and model studies support a critical role for EBV miRNAs in lymphoma development.

Abstract

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is a common virus that infects specific types of white blood cells in a high percentage of the population. In some cases, EBV-infected B cells can transform and develop into specific types of B-cell lymphoma. Researchers have discovered that EBV produces small RNA molecules called microRNAs, which help the virus evade recognition by the immune system, regulate infection patterns, and induce persistent growth of the infected host B cell. Together, these processes promote the development of B-cell lymphoma. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of the roles of these microRNAs in infected B cells and their contributions to lymphoma development.

Viral infection is a critical early event in Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-positive B-cell lymphomas. While latent EBV proteins are known to promote cancer development, the role of EBV-encoded microRNAs (miRNAs) is not yet clear. These miRNAs are reported to regulate viral persistence, immune evasion, B-cell survival, and growth. This review compiles evidence on the role of EBV miRNAs in B cells and B-cell lymphomas, including their known target genes, and their effects on cancer-related pathways. By combining profiling studies and results from laboratory models, we highlight how EBV miRNAs might contribute to lymphoma development. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the biology of EBV-positive B-cell lymphoma, and current knowledge supports a critical role for EBV miRNAs in B cell transformation.

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