[Immunovirological factors in epitheliomas of the rhinopharynx]

Abstract

The epidemiology of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) suggests the intervention of genetic factors. These factors may be represented by a specific HL-A pattern (leucocyte antigens) as found in Chinese NPC patients (deficit of antigens corresponding to the second sublocus and discovery of a new antigen, named SIN-2). The association between NPC and a herpesvirus (the EBV) is based on elevated antibodies against a variety of EBV coded antigens, on cell mediated immune reactions, and on the regular presence of viral fingerprints in the epithelial tumour cells (viral DNA and nuclear antigen -- EBNA). The serological profile should help to establish the diagnosis of NPC in certain cases. The association between genetic factors, a herpesvirus and a human tumour represents a unique model in human cancer research.