Interferon regulatory factor 7: a key cellular mediator of LMP-1 in EBV latency and transformation

Interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF-7) was cloned within the biological context of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) latency, and has an intimate relation with EBV EBV latent membrane protein I (LMP-1) regulates IRF-7 both by inducing the expression of IRF-7 and by activating IRF-7 protein through phosphorylation and nuclear translocation in a post-translational manner. The activated IRF-7 then functions to regulate both EBV and cellular target genes involved in latency, transformation and immune regulation. IRF-7 appears to be a key cellular latency protein involved in both the pathogenesis and persistence of EBV infection.