To test the hypothesis that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection of cells within the synovial membrane contributes to the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Biopsy samples of synovial membrane from 37 patients with RA and from 51 patients with other joint diseases were studied for evidence of EBV infection using in situ hybridization specific for the EBV-encoded RNAs (EBERs). Latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) and the lytic-cycle BZLF1 protein were detected by immunohistochemistry.
Rare EBER-positive B lymphocytes were detected in 7 RA biopsy samples. EBV was not detectable in any other cells. Expression of the LMP1 and BZLF1 proteins of EBV was not observed in any of the samples. No EBV infection was detected in synovial membranes from patients with other joint diseases.
Our data indicate that EBV infection is not directly involved in the pathogenesis of RA. Any contribution of EBV to the pathogenic process leading to RA is likely to be indirect.