Multiple functions are mediated by the miRNAs of Epstein-Barr virus

• EBV encodes at least 25 pre-miRNAs encoded within two gene clusters.
• Steady-state levels of these miRNAs vary significantly among EBV-positive cell lines and tumor biopsies.
• Targets of EBV's miRNAs mediate various cellular processes to promote cell survival and proliferation.

Epstein-Barr virus is a gammaherpes virus that is causally associated with several malignancies and expresses multiple miRNAs in both normal and tumor cells. Since the identification of virally encoded miRNAs, various mRNAs have been identified as targets for regulation by EBV's miRNAs in host cells. We shall summarize these targets, the robustness of their identification, and examine how the regulation of these targets by EBV contributes to the successful infection of its host.