Exploring the Role of Epstein Barr-Virus Encoded RNA1 (EBER-1) in Innate and Adaptive Immune Response using Transgenic Mouse Models

Hussain, M. and Wilson, J.B. (2010) Exploring the Role of Epstein Barr-Virus Encoded RNA1 (EBER-1) in Innate and Adaptive Immune Response using Transgenic Mouse Models. The 14th Biennial Conference of the International Association for Research on Epstein-Barr Virus and Associated Diseases, Birmingham, UK, 04-07 Sep 2010.

Abstract

EBER-1 is a non poly adenylated, non coding, double stranded small RNA encoded by the EBV genome. It is abundantly transcribed in many EBV associated tumors. It is known that the EBERs act as pathogen associated molecular pattern (PAMP) molecules and elicit innate immune responses (particularly the interferon (IFN) response) in the host by associating with the pathogen recognition receptors (PRR) such as RIG-1. However, whether this impacts the adaptive immune response has been largely unaddressed. In the present studies the action of EBER-1 has been explored in an in vivo system. Briefly, transgenic mouse lines were generated expressing EBER-1 in lymphoid cells. Cohorts of transgenic mice and controls were injected with polyI:C (as an IFN inducing adjuvant) and NIP-BSA as antigen by intravenous or intraperitoneal routes. Specific Immunoglobulin responses to antigen were then measured by ELISA. In order to explore the IFN response, serum IFN levels were measured in the polyI:C injected and control cohorts of mice by ELISA. Additionally, expression of proteins involved in the interferon response like PKR, eIF2 alpha, OAS are being examined by western blotting from the tissues collected at different time intervals. We find that EBER1 expressing mice respond to polyI:C treatment with enhanced level of IFN production. Despite this, our preliminary observations suggest that EBER-1 mice might be impaired in their adaptive immune response and these data will be presented.

• Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item
• Status: Published
• Refereed: No
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Wilson, Professor Joanna
• Authors: Hussain, M., and Wilson, J.B.
• Subjects: Q Science > QR Microbiology; Q Science > QR Microbiology > QR355 Virology
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Life Sciences; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Molecular Biosciences