Infection of human lung fibroblasts with Epstein-Barr virus causes increased IL-1 beta and bFGF production

An association between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and fibroblast pr oliferation in the interstitial spaces of thr in ng has been suggesting in idiopathic interstitial pneumonia. In this study we show that EBV can infec t human lung fibroblasts in vitro. A primary-cultured human lung fibroblast cell line, designated CCD-32Lu, expressed EBV nuclear antigen I after cocu lture with lethally irradiated EBV-producing cell. The infection further, i nduced CCD-32Lu cells to produce thr fibrogenic cytokines basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and interleukin-1 beta. These findings indicate that l ung fibroblasts may be a target for EBV infection and suggest that EBV may play a role in increased production of these cytokines and induce fibroblas t proliferation in idiopathic interstitial pneumonia.