Immunohistochemical localization of Epstein-Barr virus receptor on hyperplastic gingiva of kidney allotransplant patient immunocompromised by cyclosporin A.

The strong association between Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and certain tumours of the oro-maxillo-laryngeal region aroused our present interest. A pre-requisite for the molecular interplay of oncogenesis by EBV is the expression of the EBV receptor on the target cell of the host. As a possible contribution to this concept, we adopted immunohistochemical technique to examine a hyperplastic gingival tissue obtained from a subject on kidney allotransplant immunosuppressed with cyclosporin A (CSA). Our results demonstrate expression of EBV/C3d receptor on the superficial layers of the hyperplastic gingiva but absent in the basal/parabasal layers. It is suggested that the superficial layer expression of EBV/C3d receptor could be due to direct acquisition from the environment of the oral cavity rather than a systemic extension from the deep layers of the same epithelium.