Epstein-Barr Virus: A Novel Dimension in Cancer Development

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous gamma-herpesvirus linked to various cancers. This chapter delves into EBV’s oncogenic potential, leveraging recent genomic and multiomic insights. Despite its common presence and typically benign behavior, EBV’s sophisticated latency programs and ability to infect B cells and epithelial cells contribute to the oncogenesis of lymphomas, carcinomas, and leiomyosarcomas. Advances in OMICs technologies have been pivotal in understanding EBV’s pathogenic mechanisms, enabling the identification of novel biomarkers and pathways. The integration of these technologies into clinical prognostic models has improved the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of EBV-associated cancers. Highlighting the significance of multiomics-based translational research, this chapter underscores the complex interplay between EBV and its host, paving the way for more targeted and effective cancer therapies. The chapter aims to provide a comprehensive overview of EBV’s role in cancer.