Epstein-Barr virus LMP1 status in relation to apoptosis, p53 expression and leucocyte infiltration in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Abstract

Our observation suggests that the heavy infiltration by lymphocytes in LMP1-positive NPC tumors does not appear to counteract tumor growth by cytoxicity as indicated by the low apoptotic index. Thus, LMP1 seems to enhance survival- and proliferation-related signals in NPC. In analogy with other tumors, both the infiltrating T cells and the accumulated p53 may be inactive.