COMMENTARY ON THE LAW
Potential role of the Epstein-Barr virus in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus and kidney diseases
Zofia Niemir 1 , Bogna Roszkowiak 1
1. Pracownia Nefrologii Molekularnej, Katedra i Klinika Nefrologii, Transplantologii i Chorób Wewnętrznych Akademii Medycznej im. K. Marcinkowskiego w Poznaniu
Published: 2004-11-03
GICID: 01.3001.0000.3613
Available language versions: en pl
Issue: Postepy Hig Med Dosw 2004; 58 (0)
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is mainly regarded as a tumorigenic agent widely distributed in the adult population. Recent results also indicate its potential role in systemic autoimmune diseases as well as in renal disorders. This is thought to be due to the virus’s capacity to invade B cells and change from the lytic linear form to the circular latent one, which allows restriction in its gene expression array. In this way the virus avoids recognition by CD4+ and CD8+ cells and escapes immunological control. Defective control of lytic and/or latent EBV infection may contribute to the development of systemic or renal pathology.