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The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), isolated in 1966, continues to draw worldwide attention as an important human pathogen. Its impor­ tance is largely related to the continuing accumulation of evidence that implicates EBV as an etiological factor for certain types of human cancer. More recent investigations on this virus have focused on the identity of the viral genes responsible for the different disease mani­ festations observed following viral infection. It is hoped that by thorough investigation of this virus, clues to how cancer develops from a normal cell will surface. In addition, many of the gene products are now being exploited for the development of new and more sensitive tests for the diagnosis and clinical management of individu­ als with EBV -associated diseases. Thus, studies on this virus continue to provide new information of importance to our understanding of the malignant process. In an effort to attract both basic and clinical scientists to the same meeting for purposes of scientific exchange and fostering a closer interaction between these individuals, a series of international symposia was initiated in 1984. The first meeting was held in Loutraki, Greece, and was attended by approximately 100 participants. The second international symposium was held in St. Petersburg, Florida, in 1986, and was attended by approximately twice as many partici­ pants as attended the Loutraki meeting.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is one of the most widespread human viruses, with over 80% of the general population exposed by young adulthood, as determined by antibody studies. Initial infection usu­ ally occurs during childhood or the teenage years. It is clear that, de­ pending on the age of the recipient, clinical manifestations of the primary infection can vary. It has been known for 20 years that EBV is the etiologic agent of acute infectious mononucleosis (IM) and is also closely associated with African Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) and naso­ it is a pharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). There is increasing evidence that factor in the etiology of B-celllymphomas, which arise at a high fre­ quency in immunodeficient populations. EBV may also contribute to the development of autoimmune disease. Thus, this virus continues to attract world-wide attention. The major target cell for EBV infection has now been conclusively identified as the complement receptor-type 2 (CR2), the Cd/Cdg 3 3 receptor on B lymphocyte. It is apparent, however, that other cells also can become infected by EBV, such as epithelial cells in the parotid gland and other epithelial cells in the upper respiratory tract. This might help account for the EBV-assodated carcinomas of the upper respiratory tract. The first in a series of international symposia on EBV -associated diseases focused primarily on Burkitt's-type lymphomas or on NPC (Kyoto 1977; Dusseldorf 1980; Kuala Lumpur 1982) and emphasized mainly the clinical elements of these diseases. Subsequent symposia (Loutraki, 1984; St.