LMP2A is a potent immunogenic viral antigen that is recognized by the cytotoxic T cells; down-modulation of LMP2A expression by miR-BART22 may permit escape of EBV-infected cells from host immune surveillance.
EBV-encoded BART miRNAs target the 3'-UTRs of viral genes, such as LMP1, BALF5, and LMP2A genes, and negatively regulate expression of these viral genes.On the other hand, EBV miRNAs repress cellular proteins, which include p53 up-regulated modulator of apoptosis(PUMA), DICER1, and BIM. Table 2 EBV-derived miRNAs and their target genes.