The role of Epstein–Barr virus-encoded latent membrane proteins in host immune escape

Abstract

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is a type IV herpesvirus that widely infects the vast majority of adults, and establishes a latent infection pattern in host cells to escape the clearance of immune system. The virus is intimately associated with the occurrence and progression of lymphomas and epithelial cell cancers. EBV latent membrane proteins (LMPs) can assist its immune escape by downregulating host immune response. Besides EBV, LMPs have important effects on the functions of exosomes and autophagy, which also help EBV to escape immune surveillance. These escape mechanisms may provide conditions for further development of EBV-associated tumors. In this article, we discussed the potential functions of EBV-encoded LMPs in promoting immune escape.