Association between Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and Tonsil Part II: The presence of EBV-associated nuclear antigen (EBNA) in human tonsil-derived lymphocytes (TDLs)

Abstract

The principal target site for EBV seems to be complement and EBV receptor-bearing B lymphocytes. Therefore, it is possible that the lymphocytes in tonsils may have been infected by EBV. In this paper, the presence of EBNA in the tonsil lymphocytes and malignant lymphoma cells was investigated using the anticomplement immunofluorescence test of Reedman and Klein. In 5.6% of 91 patients diagnosed as having chronic tonsillitis, EBNA was demonstrated in the purified B lymphocytes of TDLs. Tonsils may serve as a reservoir for EBV car