Which receptor on B cells binds EBV?

Which receptor on B cells binds EBV?

• A. CD19
• B. CD21
• C. CD40
• D. CD11c

Answer: (B)

EBV gains entry to B cells by binding to CD21, the receptor for complement receptor 2 (CR2) on the B-cell surface. The EBV envelope glycoprotein gp350/220 specifically interacts with CD21, allowing the virus to attach and enter the B cell, which explains the virus’s strong B-cell tropism and its ability to immortalize B cells. CD19 is a B-cell co-receptor that lowers the activation threshold but does not serve as an entry receptor for EBV. CD40 is a costimulatory receptor for T-helper cell–mediated B-cell activation, not a viral entry receptor. CD11c is an integrin found on myeloid cells and is not involved in EBV binding.

EBV gains entry to B cells by binding to CD21, the receptor for complement receptor 2 (CR2) on the B-cell surface. The EBV envelope glycoprotein gp350/220 specifically interacts with CD21, allowing the virus to attach and enter the B cell, which explains the virus’s strong B-cell tropism and its ability to immortalize B cells. CD19 is a B-cell co-receptor that lowers the activation threshold but does not serve as an entry receptor for EBV. CD40 is a costimulatory receptor for T-helper cell–mediated B-cell activation, not a viral entry receptor. CD11c is an integrin found on myeloid cells and is not involved in EBV binding.