Viral Pathogenesis and Persistence of Epstein-Barr Virus (I)
When infection occurs cell begins production of viral proteins. These proteins include early antigen (EA), the capsid (VCA) and membrane glycoproteins (MA).
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Viral Pathogenesis and Persistence
The virus is transmitted by infected saliva and reaches the oropharynx epithelial cells where it replicates in production of virions and cell lysis. B cells are infected as they pass through the oropharynx or the epithelium of the postnasal space. The virus uses the cell to contact one of its envelope protein, gp350, which binds to the cellular receptor CD21 (the same that has for the C3d of complement).
Most of the antibodies produced during infection are directed against this protein and have existed since it attempts to develop a vaccine against this infection. In the acute phase only a small number of B cells with viral replication allows expression of all viral antigens, virion formation and ultimately cell lysis. Most of them express only a limited number of genes and do not allow at this time viral replication (latent infection).
Sometime during this latent phase among these cells can enter the activity and allow a full replicative cycle. Acutely infected cells are controlled by NK and T cells that proliferate in large numbers, this increase is responsible for cell enlargement of lymph nodes, spleen and liver that can be seen in the acute phase of infection . In the convalescence phase and latency is the latter the most important mechanism for monitoring and control.
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