Stress-related activation of Epstein-Barr virus

Brain Behav Immun. 1991 Jun;5(2):219-32. doi: 10.1016/0889-1591(91)90018-6.

Abstract

Herpesviruses characteristically persist in a latent state in the body over the lifetime of an individual. Under certain conditions, any one of the herpesviruses can be reactivated. The mechanisms underlying the establishment of latent virus infection or viral reactivation are not well understood; however, it is known that the cellular immune response plays a very important role in the maintenance of latency and in virus reactivation. One of the factors thought to be associated with the reactivation of latent herpes-viruses is psychological stress. Using an examination stress model with medical student subjects, we previously demonstrated the reactivation of latent Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), as measured by increases in antibody titers. In this follow-up study using the same group of medical students, we found evidence for incomplete reactivation of latent EBV, with only selective expression of the latent virus genome.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Viral / analysis
  • Antigens, Viral / analysis
  • Antigens, Viral / immunology
  • Capsid Proteins*
  • DNA, Viral / isolation & purification
  • Educational Measurement
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigens
  • Female
  • Herpesviridae Infections / complications
  • Herpesviridae Infections / immunology*
  • Herpesviridae Infections / microbiology
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / immunology
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / isolation & purification
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Cellular
  • Immunoglobulin G / analysis
  • Male
  • Pharynx / microbiology
  • Stress, Psychological / complications
  • Stress, Psychological / immunology*
  • Stress, Psychological / microbiology
  • Students, Medical / psychology
  • Virus Activation*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Antigens, Viral
  • Capsid Proteins
  • DNA, Viral
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigens
  • Epstein-Barr viral capsid antigen
  • Immunoglobulin G