Exosomes released in vitro from Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-infected cells contain EBV-encoded latent phase mRNAs

Cancer Lett. 2013 Sep 1;337(2):193-9. doi: 10.1016/j.canlet.2013.05.012. Epub 2013 May 16.

Abstract

EBV is a human herpesvirus associated with a number of malignancies. Both lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs), and EBV-infected nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells have been demonstrated to release exosomes containing the EBV-encoded latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1), and mature micro-RNAs (EBV-miRNAs). Here we analyze the EBV protein and nucleic acid content of exosomes from different EBV-infected cells (LCL, 721 and Daudi) and we show for the first time that exosomes released from LCLs and 721 also contain EBV-encoded latent phase mRNAs. This confirms and strengthens exosomes pathogenetic potential, and might provide insights for development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Keywords: EBV; Epstein–Barr virus; Exosomes; LCL; LMP; Latent infection; RT; Real-Time PCR; latent membrane protein; lymphoblastoid cell line; mRNA; messanger RNA; miRNA; micro RNA; qPCR; reverse transcription.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Transformation, Viral*
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigens / genetics
  • Exosomes / genetics*
  • Exosomes / metabolism
  • Exosomes / virology
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / genetics*
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immunoprecipitation
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism*
  • RNA, Viral / metabolism*
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Viral Matrix Proteins / genetics
  • Viral Matrix Proteins / metabolism
  • Viral Proteins / genetics*
  • Viral Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • BHRF1 protein, Human herpesvirus 4
  • EBV-associated membrane antigen, Epstein-Barr virus
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigens
  • MicroRNAs
  • RNA, Messenger
  • RNA, Viral
  • Viral Matrix Proteins
  • Viral Proteins
  • EBV-encoded nuclear antigen 1