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.