Forum Infectiologie (24.10.2023): Pr. Christian MÜNZ

Abstract: The Epstein Barr virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous human tumor virus causing around 2% of all malignancies in humans. Despite its remarkable growth transforming ability in vitro, our immune system protects the vast majority of adult virus carriers from EBV associated tumors. Mice with reconstituted human immune system components have been explored by us and others as an in vivo model for EBV infection, lymphomagenesis and immune control. These allowed us to investigate how co-infections with the Kaposi sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) modify EBV associated malignancies and their immune control. Furthermore, we were able to characterize the non-redundant role of lymphocyte receptors and of lymphocyte differentiation stages during EBV specific immune control. Our studies provide further insights into the composition of the highly efficient immune protection against EBV associated lymphomas that most virus carriers establish and that EBV specific vaccination should elicit.