Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), or herpes type IV, is a DNA virus composed of linear double stranded DNA genome enclosed by a capsid and membrane derived envelope made from a variety of glycoproteins. EBV is ubiquitous. Infection often occurs during childhood and infects about 95% of the population. In adolescence, infectious mononucleosis, the “kissing disease,” can occur, during which up to 20% of B-cells become infected with the virus. Citrullination or deimination is the conversion of the amino acid arginine in a protein into the amino acid citrulline. Citrullination of EBV occurs when citrullin, an amino acid that is created by post translational modification of arginine residues in proteins, is catalyzed by an enzyme called peptidyl arginine deiminase (PAD). Citrullinated EBV could act as a target for anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs), autoantibodies that are directed against peptides and proteins that are citrullinated, and this characteristic may account for the link between EBV infection and the onset or progression of ACPAs production. Citrullination of a variety of proteins is emerging as an essential component of inflammation in a variety of autoimmune diseases including neuroautoimmunity.
Citrullinated EBV
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