Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is closely linked to the development of a number of human cancers. EBV-associated malignancies are characterized by a restricted pattern of viral latent protein expression which is sufficient for the virus to both initiate and sustain cell growth and to protect virus-infected cells from immune attack. Expression of these EBV proteins in malignant cells provides an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. Among the viral proteins expressed in the EBV-associated epithelial malignancies, the protein encoded by the BamHI-A rightward frame 1 (BARF1) is of particular interest. BARF1 is a viral oncoprotein selectively expressed in latently infected epithelial cancers, nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and EBV-positive gastric cancer (EBV-GC). Here, we review the roles of BARF1 in oncogenesis and immunomodulation. We also discuss potential strategies for targeting the BARF1 protein as a novel therapy for EBV-driven epithelial cancers.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 1940 |
Pages (from-to) | 1-12 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | Cancers |
Volume | 12 |
Issue number | 7 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 17 Jul 2020 |
Scopus Subject Areas
- Oncology
- Cancer Research
User-Defined Keywords
- BARF1
- EBV
- EBV-associated cancers
- Immunotherapy
- Peptide therapy