MicroRNAs of Epstein-Barr Virus Control Innate and Adaptive Antiviral Immunity

J Virol. 2017 Jul 27;91(16):e01667-16. doi: 10.1128/JVI.01667-16. Print 2017 Aug 15.

Abstract

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has established lifelong infection in more than 90% of humanity. While infection is usually controlled by the immune system, the human host fails to completely eliminate the pathogen. Several herpesviral proteins are known to act as immunoevasins, preventing or reducing recognition of EBV-infected cells. Only recently were microRNAs of EBV identified to reduce immune recognition further. This Gem summarizes what we know about immunomodulatory microRNAs of herpesviruses.

Keywords: cancer; human herpesviruses; immune evasion; immune surveillance; microRNA.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / immunology*
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / pathogenicity*
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions*
  • Humans
  • Immune Evasion*
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism*
  • RNA, Viral / metabolism*

Substances

  • MicroRNAs
  • RNA, Viral