Epstein-Barr virus DNA in Reed-Sternberg cells of Hodgkin's disease is frequently associated with CR2 (EBV receptor) expression

Histopathology. 1992 Jul;21(1):51-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2559.1992.tb00342.x.

Abstract

We studied 44 cases of Hodgkin's disease for the presence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA, its localization and the expression of the EBV receptor on the tumour cells. EBV DNA was found in 52% (16/31) of the Hodgkin's lymphomas using the polymerase chain reaction. With a very sensitive non-radioactive DNA in situ hybridization technique in combination with immunohistochemistry for CD 30 or CD 15 antigens, EBV DNA was localized to Reed-Sternberg cells and its mononuclear variants. The relationship between the presence of EBV DNA and the expression of the EBV-receptor CR2 (CD 21) on Reed-Sternberg cells was studied using the same techniques and two different monoclonal anti-CD 21 antibodies. CR2 could be detected on a substantial number of the Reed-Sternberg cells in EBV DNA positive Hodgkin's lymphomas (9/12; 75%), whereas in EBV negative cases positivity with anti-CD 21 was rare (1/13; 8%). The results indicate that CR2 expression on Reed-Sternberg cells and the presence of EBV DNA sequences are frequently associated in Hodgkin's lymphomas.

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, Differentiation, B-Lymphocyte / analysis
  • Base Sequence
  • DNA, Viral / analysis*
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human* / genetics
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human* / immunology
  • Hodgkin Disease / microbiology*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Nucleic Acid Hybridization
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Receptors, Complement / analysis*
  • Receptors, Complement 3d
  • Receptors, Virus / analysis
  • Reed-Sternberg Cells / microbiology*
  • Tumor Virus Infections / diagnosis*
  • Tumor Virus Infections / immunology

Substances

  • Antigens, Differentiation, B-Lymphocyte
  • DNA, Viral
  • Receptors, Complement
  • Receptors, Complement 3d
  • Receptors, Virus