Epstein-Barr virus vaccine: a cytotoxic T-cell-based approach

Expert Rev Vaccines. 2002 Dec;1(4):467-76. doi: 10.1586/14760584.1.4.467.

Abstract

Epstein-Barr virus infects more than 95% of the human population and is linked to infectious mononucleosis as well as a series of geographically-defined cancers. To date, there is no prophylactic or therapeutic vaccine available for Epstein-Barr virus-associated diseases. New immunotherapeutic approaches, based on cytotoxic T-cells, are being developed depending on the degree of Epstein-Barr virus antigen expression in infected cells. It is hoped that these approaches will provide enough impetus for cytotoxic T-cell-based vaccine development. Approaches for developing vaccines towards the different Epstein-Barr virus-associated diseases are discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Epitopes / immunology
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / complications
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / immunology*
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / pathology
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / immunology*
  • Humans
  • T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / immunology*
  • Vaccines, Attenuated / immunology
  • Vaccines, Synthetic / immunology
  • Viral Vaccines / immunology*

Substances

  • Epitopes
  • Vaccines, Attenuated
  • Vaccines, Synthetic
  • Viral Vaccines