Characterization of Epstein-Barr virus–infected B cells in patients with posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disease: disappearance after rituximab therapy does not predict clinical response

摘要: Post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) is associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Quantitative and qualitative differences in EBV peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of PTLD patients healthy controls were characterized. A quantitative competitive polymerase chain reaction (QC-PCR) technique confirmed previous reports that load PBMCs increased comparison seropositive (18 539 vs 335 per 10(6) PBMCs, P =.0002). The average frequency EBV-infected was also (271 9 =.008). distribution numbers viral genome copies cell assessed by means QC-PCR at dilutions PBMCs. There no difference between controls. Similarly, the patterns gene expression detected Finally, impact therapy on analyzed. Patients a past history who disease-free (after chemotherapy or withdrawal immunosuppression) time testing showed loads overlapped those treated rituximab an almost immediate dramatic decline loads. This occurred even whose progressed during therapy. These results suggest can be accounted for increase number infected B blood. However, terms copy pattern expression, these are similar to found Disappearance confirms localization genomes cells. lack relationship change clinical response highlights neoplastic PTLD.