The EBV Latent Membrane Protein 1 Oncoprotein
Kenneth M. Izumi
from: Epstein-Barr Virus: Latency and Transformation (Edited by: Erle S. Robertson). Caister Academic Press, U.K. (2010)
Abstract
Latent infection membrane protein 1 (LMP1) is expressed in most malignances associated with EBV infection, has oncogene-like effects on immortalized fibroblasts, and is essential for EBV to efficiently transform the growth of resting primary B-lymphocytes into long-term autonomously proliferating lymphoblastoid cell lines. Recombinant virus, genetic, and biochemical analyses have revealed that LMP1 is a constitutively active membrane receptor that appropriates signaling adapters of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily to alter cell gene expression through NF κB, mitogen-activated protein kinases, or interferon regulatory factors. LMP1 signaling mediated alterations in gene expression are critical for long-term cell proliferation and survival, and this is consistent with a significant role in the development of malignancies in vivo. Thus, there is considerable effort in clarifying the molecular mechanisms of LMP1 signaling and their effects on cell growth, survival and gene expression as a critical step in identifying targets for interventions to specifically prevent or treat EBV-related cancers, particularly in the context of immune suppression read more ...
