Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignancy derived from the epithelial cells of the nasopharynx. Although a combination of radiotherapy with chemotherapy is effective for therapy, relapse and metastasis after remission remain major causes of mortality. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is believed to be one of causes of NPC development. We demonstrated previously that EBV reactivation is important for the carcinogenesis of NPC. We sought, therefore, to determine whether EBV reactivation can be a target for retardation of relapse of NPC. After screening, we found luteolin is able to inhibit EBV reactivation. It inhibited EBV lytic protein expression and repressed the promoter activities of two major immediate-early genes, Zta and Rta. Furthermore, luteolin was shown to reduce genomic instability induced by recurrent EBV reactivation in NPC cells. EBV reactivation-induced NPC cell proliferation and migration, as well as matrigel invasiveness, were also repressed by luteolin treatment. Tumorigenicity in mice, induced by EBV reactivation, was decreased profoundly following luteolin administration. Together, these results suggest that inhibition of EBV reactivation is a novel approach to prevent the relapse of NPC.
Highlights
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignancy derived from the epithelial cells of the post-nasal cavity and has a unique geographic and ethnic distribution
We found that luteolin treatment suppressed Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation and reduced genomic instability and repressed the tumorigenic features induced by repeated EBV reactivation in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that inhibition of EBV reactivation is a novel target to overcome the relapse of NPC
Treatment with acyclovir suppressed polyclonal B-cell proliferation [67] and PTLD [68], indicating that EBV reactivation plays an important role in these disorders
Summary
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignancy derived from the epithelial cells of the post-nasal cavity and has a unique geographic and ethnic distribution. Rare worldwide, it is prevalent in areas such as southern China, Southeast Asia, northeast India, North Africa and among the native population of Canada and Alaska. The 5 years survival rate is 60%; treatment at early stages of disease leads to a good 5-year survival rate (8095%) but not for late stage disease (40-50%). NPC is markedly radiosensitive and radiotherapy is the primary mode of treatment; chemoradiotherapy has been shown to be superior to radiotherapy alone for advanced NPC patients [2].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
