Cytokine mediated induction of the major Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-encoded transforming protein, LMP-1

Our results show that cytokines are responsible for the expression of LMP-1 in type II latent B-cells. These signals are available in the germinal center environment and in the granulation tissue of HLs. Based on these results we propose that LMP-1 expression is induced by extracellular signals and is not a constitutive characteristic of the EBV-carrying type II B-cells. Cytokine mediated induction of LMP-1 may also explain the heterogeneous expression of this viral gene seen in normal and malignant cells.