Exosomes released in vitro from Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-infected cells contain EBV-encoded latent phase mRNAs

• Exosomes contain EBV-encoded latent phase mRNAs.
• This work confirms exosomes pathogenetic potential.
• This study might provide insights for development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
• This study shows that EBV may use the exosomal system to secrete both viral-encoded proteins and nucleic acids.

EBV is a human herpesvirus associated with a number of malignancies. Both lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs), and EBV-infected nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells have been demonstrated to release exosomes containing the EBV-encoded latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1), and mature micro-RNAs (EBV-miRNAs). Here we analyze the EBV protein and nucleic acid content of exosomes from different EBV-infected cells (LCL, 721 and Daudi) and we show for the first time that exosomes released from LCLs and 721 also contain EBV-encoded latent phase mRNAs. This confirms and strengthens exosomes pathogenetic potential, and might provide insights for development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.