Multifunctional non-coding Epstein–Barr virus encoded RNAs (EBERs) contribute to viral pathogenesis

• EBV non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) including EBV-encoded small RNAs (EBERs) and EBV-miRNAs play significant roles in EBV-mediated pathogenesis.
• Modulation of host innate immune signals by EBERs contributes to pathogenesis including oncogenesis.
• Various mRNAs have been identified as targets for regulation by EBV-miRNAs in EBV-infected cells.
• Exosomes secreted by EBV-infected cells might contribute to pathogenesis through the transfer of EBERs and EBV-miRNAs.

Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV) is known as an oncogenic herpesvirus implicated in the pathogenesis of various malignancies. It has been reported that EBV non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) including EBV-encoded small RNAs (EBERs) and EBV-miRNAs contribute to viral pathogenesis. EBERs that are expressed abundantly in latently EBV-infected cells have been reported to play significant roles in tumorigenesis by EBV. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the modulation of host innate immune signals by EBERs contributes to EBV-mediated pathogenesis including oncogenesis. Recently it was demonstrated that EBERs are secreted via exosomes by EBV-infected cells. It was also demonstrated that exosomes contain a number of EBV-encoded miRNAs. Various mRNAs have been identified as targets for regulation by EBV-miRNAs in host cells, therefore, EBERs and EBV-miRNAs might function through the transfer of exosomes.