REVIEW - The possible curative therapy for RA-EBV infection control gene SAP and its application

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Nihon Rinsho Meneki Gakkai Kaishi. 2008 Jun;31(3):141-51.

[The possible curative therapy for rheumatoid arthritis--EBV infection

control gene SAP and its application][Article in Japanese]

Takei M, Kitamura N, Shiraiwa H, Inomata H, Nozaki T, Kuwana Y,

Shiozaki M, Sawada S, Ishiwata T.

Division of Hematology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Nihon

University School of Medicine, Japan.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) belong to herpes virus group. This virus is

transmitted by human contact and cause primary infection and may exist

even for years in a latent state in healthy individuals. This virus

may be reactivated by the dysregulation of the host immune system or

possibly by virus mutation. Here we have firstly demonstrated the host

defense of EBV infection and association of EBV with rheumatoid

synovitis, and then discussed our own ideas of the possible treatment

in near future. The key points of this new therapy are SAP (signaling

lymphocytic-activation molecule associated protein) or SH2D1A (Src

homology 2 domain-containing protein). SAP (or SH2D1A), an

adaptor-like molecule expressed in immune cells, is composed almost

exclusively of a Src homology 2 (SH2) domain. In humans, SAP is

mutated and either absent or non-functional in X-linked

lymphoproliferative (XLP) syndrome (Duncan disease), a disease

characterized by an inappropriate response to EBV infection. SAP is

essential for late B cell help and the development of long-term

humoral immunity. New approach to the therapeutic method for EBV might

be opened by the regulation of this molecule (SAP).

PMID: 18587224

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18587224

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