High-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) is etiologically associated with the development and progression of cervical cancer, although other factors are involved. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) detection in premalignant and malignant tissues from uterine cervix has been widely reported; however, its contribution to cervical cancer development is still unclear. Here, a comprehensive analysis regarding EBV presence and its potential role in cervical cancer, the frequency of EBV/HR-HPV coinfection in uterine cervix and EBV infection in tissue-infiltrating lymphocytes were revised. Overall, reports suggest a potential link of EBV to the development of cervical carcinomas in two possible pathways: (1) Infecting epithelial cells, thus synergizing with HR-HPV (direct pathway), and/or (2) infecting tissue-infiltrating lymphocytes that could generate local immunosuppression (indirect pathway). In situ hybridization (ISH) and/or immunohistochemical methods are mandatory for discriminating the cell type infected by EBV. However, further studies are needed for a better understanding of the EBV/HR-HPV coinfection role in cervical carcinogenesis.
Keywords: Epstein-Barr virus; cervical cancer; coinfection; human papillomavirus; tissue-infiltrating lymphocytes.