Expression of Epstein-Barr virus latent genes in oral epithelium: Determinants of the pathogenesis of oral hairy leukoplakia

This retrospective study examined expression of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) latent genes in oral epithelium from human immunodeficiency virus - seropositive subjects, to identify genes associated with the pathogenesis of oral hairy leukoplakia (HLP). Transcription of EBV latent genes was detected in tissues with productive EBV replication and, also, in normal oral epithelial tissues without EBV replication. Expression of the EBV EBNA-2 open-reading frame in oral epithelium was identified as an important cofactor associated with the pathogenesis of HLP. In vitro experiments suggested that a recombinant variant of the EBNA-2 gene may play a role in the pathogenesis of HLP, through modulation of EBNA-2 protein function.