Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is consistently associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and mostly classified as poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma or undifferentiated carcinoma with early metastasis and a rapidly progressive clinical course. The EBV-encoded latent proteins, Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA 1) and latent membrane proteins (LMPs), may be expressed in NPC, but their biological effects are poorly understood. EBNA 1 may predispose B lymphocytes to lymphomagenesis in transgenic mice, but its biological effects in NPC are still unknown. This study investigated the biological effects of EBNA I by expressing it in an EBV-negative NPC cell line (HONE-1), which was then inoculated into both nude and severe combined immunodeficiency mice. The EBNA 1 caused HONE-1 cells to grow in a less differentiated pattern and to progress more rapidly, as well as increasing their tumourigenicity and metastatic capability. These data suggest that EBNA 1 may play a critical role in the progressive evolution of NPC.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 243-248 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Journal of Pathology |
Volume | 180 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Nov 1996 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Epstein-Barr virus
- Nasopharyngeal carcinoma
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pathology and Forensic Medicine