New Advances in Epstein-Barr Vaccine Research

Researchers report significant progress towards a potential vaccine against the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a common pathogen linked to infectious mononucleosis, multiple sclerosis and certain cancers. Nearly 95% of the global population carries EBV, though risks of severe complications rise when the virus reactivates, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.

The latest findings, published in Cell Reports Medicine, describe laboratory success using engineered monoclonal antibodies in mice models.

Targeting Key Viral Proteins

Scientists developed 10 monoclonal antibodies using mice carrying human antibody genes. These antibodies targeted two viral surface proteins: gp350, which enables EBV to bind to host cell receptors, and gp42, which facilitates viral entry into cells.

One antibody directed against gp42 fully prevented infection in mice with humanised immune systems exposed to EBV. Another antibody targeting gp350 provided partial protection. The findings suggest that blocking viral entry mechanisms may offer a viable preventive strategy.

Implications for Transplant Patients

EBV-associated lymphomas are a serious complication in immunosuppressed transplant recipients. Researchers from the Fred Hutch Cancer Center highlighted that effective prevention of EBV viremia remains an unmet need in transplant medicine.

Infusions of monoclonal antibodies could potentially prevent infection or viral reactivation in high-risk groups. Experts described the development as a significant step towards eventual vaccine design and broader immune protection.

Microplastics Detected in Prostate Tissue

In a separate study presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology Genitourinary Cancers Symposium, researchers reported the presence of plastic particles in prostate tissue samples.

Fragments of microplastics were detected in nine of ten patients with prostate cancer. Tumour samples contained an average of 40 micrograms of plastic per gram of tissue, compared with 16 micrograms per gram in adjacent healthy tissue—approximately 2.5 times higher concentration.

Important Facts for Exams

• Epstein-Barr virus is also known as Human Herpesvirus 4.
• EBV is associated with infectious mononucleosis and certain lymphomas.
• Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-produced molecules targeting specific antigens.
• Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 millimetres in size.

Emerging Public Health Concerns

While early research has linked microplastics to cardiovascular and neurological conditions, direct evidence connecting them to prostate cancer has been limited. Investigators described the findings as preliminary but significant, suggesting that environmental microplastic exposure may represent a previously underexplored health risk requiring further investigation.