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The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) probe demonstrates cells latently infected with EBV. The probe hybridizes to abundantly expressed Epstein-Barr virus-encoded RNA (EBER) transcripts which are concentrated in the nuclei of latently infected cells. These transcripts are thought to block the activation of dsRNA-dependent eukaryotic initiation factor 2a (elF-2a) protein kinase DAI. In the absence of EBER, elF-2a inhibits cellular protein synthesis. The EBER molecules, therefore, promote both host cell survival and viral growth.
In situ hybridization using the EBV probe can be undertaken within the working day and completed after overnight substrate incubation. The method is reproducible and results in intense blue/black nuclear staining of cells containing EBV against a virtually clear background. Furthermore, due to the destruction of RNases by formalin fixation, the EBV sequences are conserved in routine surgical preparations.
EBV infection is associated with a variety of pathological conditions. The virus has been demonstrated by in situ hybridization in infectious mononucleosis, Burkitt’s lymphoma, the Reed Sternberg cells of Hodgkin’s disease and in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. In HIV infection EBV has also been demonstrated in primary CNS lymphomas and oral hairy leukoplakia lesions. |