Epstein–Barr Virus Infection of Pseudostratified Nasopharyngeal Epithelium Disrupts Epithelial Integrity

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is a human oncogenic virus that causes several types of tumor, such as Burkitt’s lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). NPC tumor cells are clonal expansions of latently EBV-infected epithelial cells. However, the mechanisms by which EBV transforms the nasopharyngeal epithelium is hampered, because of the lack of good in vitro model to pursue oncogenic process. Our primary nasopharyngeal epithelial cell cultures developed pseudostratified epithelium at the air-liquid interface, which was susceptible to EBV infection. Using the highly sensitive RNA in situ hybridization technique, we detected viral infection in diverse cell types, including ciliated cells, goblet cells, and basal cells. EBV-encoded small RNA-positive cells were more frequently detected in the suprabasal layer than in the basal layer. We established the most physiologically relevant EBV infection model of nasopharyngeal epithelial cells. This model will advance our understanding of EBV pathogenesis in the development of NPC.

Faktor-faktor penyebab terjadinya karsinoma nasofaring (KNF)

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a common disease in southern China. The etiologies of the main factors proposed for the pathogenesis of KNF include genetic factors, environmental factors and Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) infection. Other causes besides preserved food consumption include salted fish which have been involved in the etiology of NPC. The downward trend in the incidence of NPC has occurred in Hong Kong for the past 20 years, which is caused by changes in dietary habits. Despite the close relationship of EBV infection with NPC, the etiological role of EBV in the pathogenesis of NPC remains an interaction. EBV infection in primary nasopharyngeal epithelial cells occurs. Epstein Barr virus does not convert primary nasopharyngeal epithelial cells into proliferative clones, which is in sharp contrast to the well-documented ability of EBV to alter and perpetuate primary B cells. Genetic changes that are supported in the nasopharyngeal epithelium may be needed to support stable EBV infection. Non-viral factors as a cause of nasopharyngeal carcinoma still cannot be resolved with certainty. Non-viral factors are one of the risk factors that can increase the number of events arising from nasopharyngeal malignancies such as smoke, salted fish, formaldehyde, genetic, as soon as possible firewood, wood dust, chronic infection, throat protector, alcohol and traditional medicine.