The EBNA2 antibody reacts with the nuclei of EBV-positive lymphoblastoid cells and with EBV-infected cells during primary infection, such as mononucleosis. EBNA2 also reacts with EBV-positive atypical lymphoproliferative lesions and polymorphic lymphomas from immunocompromised patients. EBNA2 is
negative on EBV-positive Burkitt lymphomas, nasopharyngeal carcinomas, and EBV-positive Hodgkin’s disease. EBVs are DNA-type viruses.
IHC demonstration of EBV using mouse IgG monoclonal antibody clone PE2 requires citrate heat-induced epitope retrieval (HIER) pretreatment. Positive results are seen as a nuclear reaction. A post-DAB metal enhancement, such as 1% copper sulfate and a light hematoxylin counter stain, will improve visualization.
The top image displays EBV-positive, high-grade malignant lymphoma immunoblastic plasmacytoid type. A nuclear reaction is shown with EBV EBNA2 antibody. DAB chromogen is used.
EBV-associated smooth muscle tumor, shown in the lower image, in the lung from a heart transplant patient with lymphocytic myocarditis and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD). EBV mouse monoclonal antibody, clone EBNA2, and DAB chromogen are used.
