The interaction between cytokine profiles and Epstein-Barr virus-induced immune response

  • S. K. Al-Qaisi Diyala University
  • O. D. Salman Diyala University
  • S. K. Ibrahim Diyala University
  • O. A. Mohsein Thi-Qar Health Directorate
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15421/0225208
Keywords: Epstein-Barr virus, cytokines, immune response, IL-6, TNF-α, TGF-β.

Abstract

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is capable of triggering the complex of host immune response where the proportion of the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines is a key factor in the persistence of the virus, immune prote c tion, and the progression of the disease. These are the interactions among cytokines which are essential in the path o genesis of EBV and disorders that are affiliated with it. The paper will help to clarify the relations between the cyt o kine profiles and the immune reaction caused by Epstein-Bar r virus infection and reveal the main cytokines that could determine the persistence of the virus, regulate the immune response, and determine the progression of the disease. The current case-control study was a study designed in Nasiriyah, Iraq, between February and September 2025 and consisting of 90 participants with known infection by the Epstein-Bar r virus and 50 healthy participants of the same age group (between 18 to 50 years old). The exclusion criteria included pregnancy, chronic disease, autoimmune disease, malignancies and immunosuppressive drugs. Blood samples were collected by vein, serum was isol ated and kept at – 20 o C. Pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-a, IL-1b, IL-10, TGF-b), and anti-EBV antibodies (VCA IgM and IgG) were quantified by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Result: The researchers did not observe any significant differences between the groups regarding gender or age. The patients were much fatter than the controls (26.8 ± 4.2 vs. 24.5 ± 3.7 kg/m 2 , P = 0.003) and it is possible that being fat is a risk factor of EBV. There was a significant rise in inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-a 1, and IL-10) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-b) in the patients, which shows that their immune systems were changing. Considerably more anti-EBV VCA IgM and IgG was found, and these were closely linked to molecules that cause inflammation. Conclusions: EBV infection elicits a robust immune reaction; it is manifested in proinflammatory (IL-6, TNF-3) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10, TGF-3) cytokines. This balance is an attempt by the host to balance viral proliferation and m i nimal tissue damage to facilitate successful antiviral protection.

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Published
2025-11-26
How to Cite
Al-Qaisi, S. K., Salman, O. D., Ibrahim, S. K., & Mohsein, O. A. (2025). The interaction between cytokine profiles and Epstein-Barr virus-induced immune response. Regulatory Mechanisms in Biosystems, 16(4), e25208. https://doi.org/10.15421/0225208
Issue
Vol 16 No 4 (2025): Regulatory Mechanisms in Biosystems
Section
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