Epstein-Barr Virus Vaccines

Creative Biolabs is a world leader in the field of viral vaccine development. With our extensive experience and advanced platform, we are therefore confident in offering the best vaccine development services for Epstein-Barr Virus. We guarantee the finest results for our customers all over the world.

The Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV), also known as human herpesvirus 4 (HHV-4), is one of eight known human herpesvirus types in the herpes family and is one of the most common viruses in humans. It is best known as the cause of infectious mononucleosis (glandular fever). It is also associated with particular forms of cancer, such as Burkitt's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, gastric cancer, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and conditions associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), such as hairy leukoplakia and central nervous system lymphomas. There is evidence that infection with EBV is associated with a higher risk of certain autoimmune diseases, especially dermatomyositis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Some 200,000 cancer cases per year are considered to be attributable to EBV.

Pathogenesis for EBV Infection

EBV usually enters the body through the mouth, and a productive infection occurs in the oropharynx, from which site infectious virus particles are shed into the oral cavity and can be recovered from saliva and throat washings. Currently, there is much debate regarding the cell type first infected by EBV. EBV may first infect B cells in tonsillar crypts, where the surface epithelium is incomplete and virus could access lymphocytes directly. This initial infection of B cells results in full latent gene expression, cell activation, and proliferation, thus amplifying the number of infected cells at the site of entry. B lymphoblasts’ presence in the circulation stimulates a massive T cell response. So the symptoms are not caused directly by virus-infected B cells but are immunopathological in nature, resulting from massive cytokine production from CD8 T cells, and to a lesser extent CD4 T cells and NK cells. Together, these cells are thought to control the infection by eliminating infected B lymphoblasts; however, some escape and establish life-long persistence.

Fig.1 Epstein-Barr Virus infection cycle.

Host Response to EBV Infection

The antibody responses to EBV-associated antigens during primary infection form a characteristic pattern. Classically, by the time of onset of clinical symptoms, IgM, IgA and IgG antibodies to VCA are present in the serum, as are IgG antibodies to components of the early antigen and membrane antigen complexes. Antibodies to the viral glycoproteins are neutralising and probably agglutinate virus particles, thus preventing further infection and spread of the virus. IgM and IgA antibodies to VCA and IgG anti-EA antibodies rise to a peak during the acute disease and decline to low or undetectable levels during convalescence. During the acute phase of the disease, up to 40% of the total peripheral CD8⁺ T cell numbers may be directed against a single EBV epitope. The lymphocytosis is accompanied by depression in most T lymphocyte functions.

The Development of EBV Vaccine

EBV vaccines to prevent primary infection or disease, or therapeutic vaccines to treat EBV malignancies have not been licensed. Most efforts to develop prophylactic vaccines have focused on EBV gp350, which is the major target of neutralizing antibody. A single phase 2 trial of an EBV gp350 vaccine has been reported; the vaccine reduced the rate of IM but not virus infection. The observation that infusion of EBV‐specific T cells can reduce disease due to Hodgkin lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma provides a proof of principle that a therapeutic vaccine for these and other EBV‐associated malignancies might be effective. Most therapeutic vaccines have targeted EBV LMP2 and EBV nuclear antigen. As EBV is associated with nearly 200,000 new malignancies each year worldwide, an EBV vaccine to prevent these diseases is needed.

Creative Biolabs is pleased to share our cutting-edge technology and extensive expertise in the field of Epstein-Barr Virus vaccine development and has focused on the viral vaccines for years. We can offer high-quality customized services by adjusting protocols to meet even the most specific requirements. If you are interested in our services, please contact us for more details.

Reference

1. Young L S. (2016). “Epstein-Barr virus: more than 50 years old and still providing surprises.” Nature Reviews Cancer, 16(12), 789-802.

All of our products can only be used for research purposes. These vaccine ingredients CANNOT be used directly on humans or animals.