Peptide matching between Epstein-Barr virus and human proteins

Abstract

Epstein-Barr virus proteins were examined for amino acid sequence matching to human proteins at the decapeptide level. We report that numerous EBV peptides of different length (from 10- to 13-mer) are present in 28 human proteins. The viral vs. human peptide overlap mainly involves the glycine-rich region allocated in the NH2 terminus of Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen 1 protein and host cellular components that play crucial roles in basic biochemical pathways, such as chromatin remodeling, RNA splicing, transmission across chemical/electrical synapses, and neurogenesis, and that, when altered, may characterize various pathologies such as immunodeficiency, systemic lupus erythematosus, myelination, and speech disorders. The present results might contribute to understand and define the (physio) pathological relationships and interactions occurring between EBV and the human host.

Association of clinical and serological parameters of systemic lupus erythematosus patients with Epstein‐Barr virus antibody profile

“…The link between EBV infection and autoimmune disease initiation or promotion of autoimmunity is still not clearly understood. Molecular mimicry and cross‐reactivity toward self antigens, bystander activation due to inflammatory response leading to exposure of cryptic antigens or persistence of EBV by immunoevasion are some of the proposed mechanisms that associate EBV exposure to SLE predisposition . EBV infects memory B cells and resides in them in dormant/latent state till conditions are favorable for replication.…”

The Guillain–Barrè peptide signatures: from Zika virus to Campylobacter, and beyond

“…37 Similarly, numerous clinical case reports describe GBS associated with EBV infection. [38][39][40][41][42] However, it remains unclear how such infectious pathogens -which are largely widespread and sluggishly latent worldwide [43][44][45][46][47][48] -can, all of a sudden, attack the host causing the complex pathologic picture of the GBS.…”

From Anti-EBV Immune Responses to the EBV Diseasome via Cross-reactivity

“…Only immunotherapies based on peptides uniquely owned by the infectious agents would offer high specificity as well as the advantage of a lack of adverse events in the human host. 39,[181][182][183]…”

“…In the clinical frame exposed above and on the basis of previous scientific reports [39][40][41][42] that have detailed a high level of peptide sharing between EBV and human proteins involved in crucial functions, this study investigates whether the immune responses that accompany active EBV infection have the potential to cross-react with and damage human proteins that, when altered, can lead to various cancer and autoimmune diseases. That is, the thesis is explored according to which the anti-EBV immune responses that should be a "protective defense" from EBV infection actually cross-react with human proteins, in this way setting up an anti-human protein assault with catastrophic pathologic sequelae in the body.…”