Viruses:
Epstein-Barr Virus:
EBV Antigens and Antibodies:
EBV-IgG:
EBV-IgM:
Viral Capsid Antigen (VCA):
- Appears in acute infection and will be elevated, but will disappear in 4-6 weeks
- Occurs during the lytic cycle
- Viral protein that forms the capsid of EBV
- Antigen targeted by anti-VCA antibodies
- 100% reliable test
- Capsid:
- viral shell formed of protomer oligomeric structural subunits that are 3D called "capsomeres", which protect the genetic material and self-assemble to form the capsid
- Functions:
- protection of the genome
- delivery of the genome
- interaction with the host cells
- The EBV capsid is surrounded by a membrane envelope to protect it from the immune system
- It infects B-lymphocytes and epithelial cells
- EGCG in green tea can protect against infection and reduce the risk of infection, though 90% of adults have been infected with EBV at some point in their lives, even if they never showed any symptoms