In recent years, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) lytic infection has been shown to significantly contribute to carcinogenesis. Thus, therapies aimed at targeting the EBV lytic cycle have been developed as novel strategies for treatment of EBV-associated malignancies. In this review, focusing on the viral lytic proteins, we describe recent advances regarding the involvement of the EBV lytic cycle in carcinogenesis. Moreover, we further discuss 2 distinct EBV lytic cycle-targeted therapeutic strategies against EBV-induced malignancies. One of the strategies involves inhibition of the EBV lytic cycle by natural compounds known to have anti-EBV properties; another is to intentionally induce EBV lytic replication in combination with nucleotide analogues. Recent advances in EBV lytic-based strategies are beginning to show promise in the treatment and/or prevention of EBV-related tumors.
Keywords: EBV lytic replication; carcinogenesis; lytic induction; natural compound; vaccine.
© 2018 The Authors. Cancer Science published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Japanese Cancer Association.