Prediction of MicroRNAs in the Epstein-Barr Virus Reveals Potential Targets for the Viral Self-Regulation.

Studies involving miRNAs have opened discussions about their broad participation in viral infections. Regarding the Human gammaherpesvirus 4 or Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), miRNAs are important regulators of viral and cellular gene expression during the infectious process, promoting viral persistence and, in some cases, oncogenic processes. We identified 55 miRNAs of EBV type 2 and inferred the viral mRNA target to self-regulate. This data indicate that gene self-repression is an important strategy for maintenance of the viral latent phase. In addition, a protein network was constructed to establish essential proteins in the self-regulation process. We found ten proteins that work as hubs, highlighting BTRF1 and BSRF1 as the most important proteins in the network. These results open a new way to understand the infection by EBV type 2, where viral genes can be targeted for avoiding oncogenic processes, as well as new therapies to suppress and combat the persistent viral infection.