Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) establishes lifelong latency in over 95% of the adult population and is associated with various cancers. Currently, no specific anti-EBV drugs have been approved.

EBV utilizes host proteins known as galectins (Gal-1, Gal-3, and Gal-9) as key tools for immune evasion:

• Gal-9: Inhibits intracellular antiviral signaling to maintain viral latency and is secreted via exosomes to suppress systemic immunity.
• Gal-1: Impairs and destroys virus-fighting T cells, leading to functional loss.
• Gal-3: Stimulates the growth and proliferation of cancer cells.

Inhibiting galectins represents a promising strategy to restore anticancer immunity, while blood galectin levels may serve as non-invasive biomarkers for disease monitoring. However, further research is required to clarify their distinct roles, functional redundancy, and stage-dependent changes during infection, alongside clinical testing prior to practical application.

Read more: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168170226000870

First Author: Jie-Yu Huang

Co-Author: Arunee Thitithanyanont

Corresponding Author: Sheng-Fan Wang