ABSTRACT
The causal role of viruses in the pathogenesis of some B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders was clearly established several years ago with the recognition of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)- induced neoplasia. EBV is a human c -herpesvirus which can immortalize B cells in vitro, and is involved in some forms of malignant lymphoma (Burkitt’s lymphoma, AIDSrelated lymphoma, post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorders, and Hodgkin’s disease).1 A number of EBV genes, including viral homologues of interleukin (IL)-10 and bcl-2, participate in its transforming potential.
