EBV dUTPase: A Novel Modulator of Inflammation and the Tumor Microenvironment in EBV-Associated Malignancies

SIMPLE SUMMARY: In this review, we summarize the current knowledge concerning the potential roles of “abortive-lytic” replication of EBV in establishing the latent state and its contribution to the tumor microenvironment (TME) and oncogenesis. Particular emphasis is given to discussing how EBV deoxyuridine triphosphate nucleotidohydrolase (dUTPase), an early protein encoded by BLLF3 which possesses novel immunomodulatory properties, may contribute to these processes. ABSTRACT: There is increasing evidence that put into question the classical dogma that the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) exists in cells as either a lytic virus in which new progeny is produced or in a latent state in which no progeny is produced. Notably, a third state has now been described, known as the abortive-lytic phase, which is characterized by the expression of some immediate early (IE) and early (E) genes, but no new virus progeny is produced. While the function of these IE and E gene products is not well understood, several recent studies support the concept they may contribute to tumor promotion by altering the tumor microenvironment (TME). The mechanisms by which these viral gene products may contribute to tumorigenesis remain unclear; however, it has been proposed that some of them promote cellular growth, immune evasion, and/or inhibit apoptosis. One of these EBV early gene products is the deoxyuridine triphosphate nucleotidohydrolase (dUTPase) encoded by BLLF3, which not only contributes to the establishment of latency through the production of activin A and IL-21, but it may also alter the TME, thus promoting oncogenesis.