Epstein-Barr virus replication within pulmonary epithelial cells in cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis.

Abstract

This is the first report of in vivo EBV replication within epithelial cells of the lower respiratory tract in an immunocompetent human host. Furthermore, this suggests that EBV may be an immune trigger or contribute to lung injury in cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis, thus offering a potential new avenue of treatment.