Analysis of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-infected T cells in EBV associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24591542
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Pediatrics
• Research Institution: Kanazawa University
• Principal Investigator: WADA Taizo 金沢大学, 大学病院, 講師 (30313646)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 小児科学 / EBウイルス / 血球貪食性リンパ組織球症

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is characterized by ectopic EBV infection in CD8+ T cells and their clonal proliferation. We demonstrate that EBV-infected cells can be detected as highly activated CD5-/dim CD8+ T cells that often react with a specific TCR Vβ monoclonal antibody in patients with EBV-HLH, who exhibit characteristic profiles of serum cytokines. Although down-regulation of CD5 in CD8+ T cells is not specific for EBV-HLH, the combined approach of our flow cytometric analysis including TCR Vβ repertoire and cytokine profile analysis may be useful in diagnosis and follow-up of patients with EBV-HLH.

Free Research Field

医師薬学