[EBV/KSHV co-infection: an effective partnership]

Abstract

Kaposi's sarcoma human herpesvirus (KSHV) is the etiologic agent of primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) in which Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is also very often present. By using a humanized mouse model, Pr. Münz's team has been able to demonstrate that EBV/KSHV co-infection increases KSHV persistence and cell transformation through the stimulation of EBV replication. This is the first model of PEL in small animals, opening up exciting prospects for future studies on this unique lymphoma.