EBV+ Lymphoproliferative Diseases: Opportunities for leveraging EBV as a Therapeutic Target

Abstract

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous human tumor virus, which contributes to the development of lymphoproliferative disease, most notably in patients with impaired immunity. EBV associated lymphoproliferation is characterized by expression of latent EBV proteins and ranges in severity from a relatively benign proliferative response to aggressive malignant lymphomas. The presence of EBV can also serve as a unique target for directed therapies for the treatment of EBV lymphoproliferative diseases, including T cell based immune therapies. In this review, we will describe the EBV-associated lymphoproliferative diseases and will particularly focus on the therapies that target EBV.