Anti-EBV antibodies: Roles in diagnosis, pathogenesis, and antiviral therapy

J Med Virol. 2023 May;95(5):e28793. doi: 10.1002/jmv.28793.

Abstract

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is prevalent in global population and associated with multiple malignancies and autoimmune diseases. During the infection, EBV-harbored or infected cell-expressing antigen could elicit a variety of antibodies with significant role in viral host response and pathogenesis. These antibodies have been extensively evaluated and found to be valuable in predicting disease diagnosis and prognosis, exploring disease mechanisms, and developing antiviral agents. In this review, we discuss the versatile roles of EBV antibodies as important biomarkers for EBV-related diseases, potential driving factors of autoimmunity, and promising therapeutic agents for viral infection and pathogenesis.

Keywords: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV); antibodies; multiple sclerosis (MS); prognosis; virus neutralization.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Autoimmune Diseases* / complications
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections* / complications
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections* / diagnosis
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections* / drug therapy
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human
  • Humans
  • Multiple Sclerosis*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Antiviral Agents