EBV is a B cell tropic, oncogenic gamma-herpes virus that infects more than 90% of the adult population worldwide. In immunosuppressed individuals, EBV may cause a wide spectrum of pathologies, ranging from lymphoproliferation to frank lymphoma.

EBV-driven B cell expansion is a metabolically demanding process. Targeting metabolic vulnerabilities of B cells en route to virus-driven transformation may thus offer therapeutic opportunities.

In my seminar, I will present emerging data on EBV-driven metabolic changes required for latent infection of B cells. Molecular metabolic aspects, preclinical models and clinical data will be discussed.