The growing interests in Epstein–Barr virus: A bibliometric analysis of research trends, collaborations, and emerging hotspots

Abstract

Background

Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV) is a widespread human γ-herpesvirus linked to cancers and autoimmune diseases, but limited comprehensive bibliometric analysis appear to have been conducted in this field.

Methods

Using Web of Science data, 16,318 EBV-related documents (2014–2023) were analyzed via VOSviewer, Bibliometrix, and Citespace following the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology reporting guideline.

Results

This cross-sectional bibliometric analysis of 16,318 EBV-related documents (2014–2023) revealed a consistent upward trend in annual publications, reflecting growing global interest in EBV research. Collaborative networks demonstrated strong international partnerships, particularly between the United States and China. Keywords co-occurrence and burst analysis highlighted enduring focus on EBV pathogenesis, immune evasion mechanisms, and EBV-associated diseases like nasopharyngeal carcinoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, and multiple sclerosis. On the basis of this comprehensive bibliometric analysis, it showed that the emerging hotspots included immunotherapy, biomarkers, viral reactivation, and vaccine development, with clinical trials evaluating immune-checkpoint inhibitors of toripalimab, mRNA-based therapeutic vaccines targeting LMP2 and EBNA1, and prophylactic strategies such as glycoproteins-based ferritin nanoparticles or mRNA vaccines, indicating a shift toward precision interventions.

Conclusions

EBV research has grown exponentially, driven by insights into structural-function relationships and immune evasion. Advances enable targeted prophylactic/therapeutic strategies. The analysis highlights needs to decode virus-host interactions, optimize vaccines, and translate findings clinically, aiming to raise disease awareness, guide immunotherapies, and reduce global health burdens.