[Regulation of apoptosis by the latent infection membrane protein 1 of Epstein-Barr virus]

Abstract

The latent infection membrane protein 1(LMP1) of Epstein-Barr virus(EBV) protects human B cells from apoptosis by up-regulating expression of Bcl-2 and A20. We have demonstrated that LMP1 transfectants of Jurkat T cells are resistant to apoptosis induced by serum depletion without affecting Bcl-2/Bax system. Expression of LMP1 in epithelial cells have affected apoptosis induced by TNF-alpha but not apoptosis induced by anti-Fas antibodies, suggesting that LMP1 is involved in the signal pathway specific for TNF receptor. These results indicate that LMP1 regulates apoptosis by different mechanisms among each cell type. The regulation of apoptosis by LMP1 is discussed in relation to EBV infection.