Epstein-Barr Virus miR-BHRF1-3 Targets the BZLF1 3’UTR and Regulates the Lytic Cycle
Devin N. Fachko, Yan Chen, Rebecca L. Skalsky
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus infection is predominantly latent in healthy individuals, while periodic cycles of reactivation are thought to facilitate persistent lifelong infection. Lytic infection has been linked to development of certain EBV-associated diseases. Here, we demonstrate that EBV miR-BHRF1-3 can suppress lytic replication by directly inhibiting Zta expression. Moreover, we identify nucleotide variants that impact the function of miR-BHRF1-3, which may contribute to specific EBV pathologies.
Topics & Concepts
Lytic cycleBZLF1BiologymicroRNAEpstein–Barr virusVirologyVirusVirus latencyGeneViral replicationGeneticsHerpesviridaeViral diseaseViral-associated cancers and disordersCytomegalovirus and herpesvirus researchImmune Cell Function and Interaction