hu-PBL-SCID mice: an in vivo model of Epstein-Barr virus-dependent lymphoproliferative disease

Abstract

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) exists in most huni:tns as a lifelong latent infection established in host B cells after a primary viral encounter. In immunosuppressed intlivitluals, such as post-transpl~rnt patients, the presence of EBV-infected B cells may lcad to Iq'niplloproliferative disease. Injection of human peripheral blood lymphocytes from EBV-positive clonors into mice wit h severe combined immunodeficiency induces human lymphoproliferative disease i n the recipient closely resembling that of human posttransplant patients. This xenochimeric human-mouse model is increasingly being used to elucidwrc the mcchnnisms of EBV-specific lymphomagenesis and to assess novel therapeutic approaches.