Restricted low-level human antibody responses against Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-encoded latent membrane protein 1 in a subgroup of patients with EBV-associated diseases

Human antibody responses to latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) in patients wi th Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-related disease syndromes were analyzed in deta il. Only by immunoblot analysis with purified recombinant LMP 1 and by LFA on recombinant LMP I-expressing insect cells could human antibodies directe d against LMP1 be detected. Low serum levels of LMP1-directed antibodies co uld be detected in 3 of 8 EBV-positive Hodgkin's disease patients, 3 of 40 nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients, 2 of 23 Burkitt's lymphoma patients, and 1 of 27 non-Burkitt's lymphoma patients. No LMP1-directed antibodies could be detected in healthy EBV carriers, infectious mononucleosis patients, or patients with chronic EBV disease. All sera contained significant levels o f EBV antibodies directed against the immunodominant EBV proteins and pepti des. From this study, it can be concluded that LMP1 is a protein with a ver y low immunogenicity for the humoral immune response in humans.