Although the causes of NHL remains unknown in most cases, different risk factors that favor the occurrence of this disease have been identified, such as certain infections, including infection with Epstein Barr virus (EBV). It is therefore important to determine the EBV viral load before starting chemotherapy. Knowing that EBV binds to B cells via CD21 (CR2) and HLA class II molecules, how can it infect T cells or NK cells? Is it really involved in the pathogenesis of T/NK cell NHL or just associated with the disease?
Hi Dr. Mourad!
this is a very interesting question that I think immunologist are most suited to answer.
From what I know about EBV relative to T or NK cells is that they are activated via MHCI antigen presentation of the host cells because of endogenous proteins produced by the host cells (and in this case even infected B cells). I have not come across any literature as of the present which links EBV infection with T cell or NK cell related pathology or tumorigensis/carcinoma as compared to the common knowledge that EBV infection can lead to African/Burkitt's lymphoma, Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (100% positive for EBV DNA), and B cell lymphoma.
It would be of great interest to virologist and immunologist if it could be modelled in-vitro the infection of T cells and NK cells by EBV.
I hope I was able to contribute in even a very small way regarding your concern.
best wishes in your research!
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