NF-κB and IRF7 pathway activation by Epstein-Barr virus Latent Membrane Protein 1

Viruses. 2013 Jun 21;5(6):1587-606. doi: 10.3390/v5061587.

Abstract

The principal Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) oncoprotein, Latent Membrane Protein 1 (LMP1), is expressed in most EBV-associated human malignancies. LMP1 mimics CD40 receptor signaling to provide infected cells with constitutive NF-κB, MAP kinase, IRF7, and PI3 kinase pathway stimulation. EBV-transformed B-cells are particularly dependent on constitutive NF-κB activity, and rapidly undergo apoptosis upon NF-κB blockade. Here, we review LMP1 function, with special attention to current understanding of the molecular mechanisms of LMP1-mediated NF-κB and IRF7 pathway activation. Recent advances include the elucidation of transmembrane motifs important for LMP1 trafficking and ligand-independent signaling, analysis of genome-wide LMP1 gene targets, and the identification of novel cell proteins that mediate LMP1 NF-κB and IRF7 pathway activation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell Transformation, Viral
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / immunology*
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / pathogenicity
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions*
  • Humans
  • Interferon Regulatory Factor-7 / immunology*
  • NF-kappa B / immunology*
  • Signal Transduction*
  • Viral Matrix Proteins / immunology*

Substances

  • EBV-associated membrane antigen, Epstein-Barr virus
  • IRF7 protein, human
  • Interferon Regulatory Factor-7
  • NF-kappa B
  • Viral Matrix Proteins