EBV LMP-1

EBV latent membrane protein (LMP-1) has oncogenic potential1, upregulating the expression of bcl-22. It is expressed in EBV-infected cells with latency pattern 2 or 3. LMP-1 is expressed in PTLD. Other conditions such as Burkitt lymphoma which show latency pattern 1 are negative for LMP-1. Since EBER is expressed with all patterns of latency, in situ hybridisation for EBER is superior for detecting EBV infection.

A cocktail of monoclonal antibodies (CS1-CS4) may be used to detect LMP-1.

References

1 Baumforth KR, Young LS, Flavell KJ, et al. The Epstein-Barr virus and its association with human cancers. Mol Pathol 1999; 52:307-22

2 Murray PG, Swinnen LJ, Constandinou CM, et al. BCL-2 but not its Epstein-Barr virus-encoded homologue, BHRF1, is commonly expressed in posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorders. Blood 1996; 87:706-11 FULL TEXT

This page last revised 31.10.2006.

©SMUHT/PW Bishop