EBV Strategies to Counteract the Immune Response

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), first discovered in 1964 in Burkitt lymphoma, infects over 95% of the global population and is associated with approximately 200,000 cancer cases each year. However, in most people EBV infection does not lead to cancer. Rather, the virus has evolved to coexist with its host by establishing a lifelong, largely asymptomatic infection. Indeed, the virus has evolved to coexist with its host by establishing a largely asymptomatic lifelong infection.The ability of EBV to persist in memory B cells for the life of an individual arises from a balanced interaction with the host immune system, facilitated by mechanisms that promote immune evasion. This Research Topic explores the complex interplay between EBV and the human host, and encompasses molecular mechanisms of viral persistence and immune regulation, as well as the diverse clinical spectrum of diseases ranging from infectious mononucleosis to aggressive malignancies.