Epstein-Barr virus reactivation triggers selective IL-6/IL-10 axis inflammation and CD3+CD8+ T-cell activation leading to severe leukopenia, hyperinflammatory shock, and myocardial injury: a case report - Report - MDSpire

Epstein-Barr virus reactivation triggers selective IL-6/IL-10 axis inflammation and CD3+CD8+ T-cell activation leading to severe leukopenia, hyperinflammatory shock, and myocardial injury: a case report

  • By

  • Yong Chen

  • Jie Wang

  • Qiuju Yao

  • Junhui Zhong

  • Jin Cao

  • Lei Du

  • Lipeng Shi

  • Chenghu Wang

  • Yi Ren

  • July 10, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Reactivation of Epstein-Barr Virus Induces Targeted IL-6/IL-10 Axis Inflammation

Background

EBV is a common human herpesvirus that can reactivate under various conditions, leading to severe inflammatory responses in some patients. While hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a known complication, not all EBV reactivations meet HLH criteria, which can complicate diagnosis and treatment.

Data Highlights

Laboratory tests revealed elevated CD3+CD8+ T cells, increased levels of interferon-γ, IL-6, IL-10, and high-sensitivity troponin. The patient exhibited severe leukopenia with a white blood cell count dropping from 2.44×109/L to 0.98×109/L.

Key Findings

  • Severe EBV reactivation can occur in immunocompetent individuals without predisposing factors.
  • Clinical manifestations may include persistent high fever, severe leukopenia, and hyperinflammatory shock.
  • Elevated IL-6 and IL-10 levels are associated with EBV reactivation.
  • Rapid improvement in symptoms can be achieved with glucocorticoids and antiviral therapy.
  • Differentiating EBV reactivation from HLH is essential for appropriate management.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should be aware of the atypical presentations of EBV reactivation, particularly in young, immunocompetent patients.

Conclusion

This case highlights the heterogeneity of EBV inflammatory response.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Immunology, 2026 -- Case Report: A diagnostic chameleon of EBV-associated immune dysregulation: HLH unmasking multiple myeloma with subsequent emergence of aggressive B-cell lymphoma
  2. Complications Related to Epstein-Barr Virus in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Case Series Analysis
  3. Brain, 2023 -- The case for targeting latent and lytic Epstein-Barr virus infection in multiple sclerosis
  4. Frontiers in Immunology, 2026 -- Epstein-Barr virus associated diseases: Immune alterations and targeted approaches
  5. Nature Reviews Microbiology -- Epstein–Barr virus pathogenesis and emerging control strategies
  6. 2025 ESC Guidelines for the management of myocarditis and pericarditis, European Heart Journal
  7. Epstein–Barr virus pathogenesis and emerging control strategies | Nature Reviews Microbiology
  8. 2025 ESC Guidelines for the management of myocarditis and pericarditis | European Heart Journal | Oxford Academic

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