Anti-EBV antibodies: Roles in diagnosis, pathogenesis, and antiviral therapy

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is prevalent in global population and associated with multiple malignancies and autoimmune diseases. During the infection, EBV-harbored or infected cell-expressing antigen could elicit a variety of antibodies with significant role in viral host response and pathogenesis. These antibodies have been extensively evaluated and found to be valuable in predicting disease diagnosis and prognosis, exploring disease mechanisms, and developing antiviral agents. In this review, we discuss the versatile roles of EBV antibodies as important biomarkers for EBV-related diseases, potential driving factors of autoimmunity, and promising therapeutic agents for viral infection and pathogenesis.

Automated summary

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is widespread and associated with various cancers and autoimmune diseases. During infection, EBV induces the production of different antibodies, which play significant roles in host response and disease pathogenesis. These antibodies have been extensively studied and found to be valuable for disease diagnosis, understanding disease mechanisms, and developing antiviral treatments. This review discusses the versatile roles of EBV antibodies as important biomarkers for EBV-related diseases, potential drivers of autoimmunity, and promising therapeutic agents for viral infection and pathogenesis.