A Threshold in Anti–EBNA-1 Antibody Titers Distinguishes Salivary EBV Shedders From Nonshedders

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Individuals with low anti–EBNA-1 antibody levels show no detectable EBV shedding, while those with typical levels frequently shed the virus.
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The study identified a distinct nonshedder phenotype characterized by restricted antibody diversity and suppressed viral replication despite latent EBV.
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All participants in the study were confirmed EBV positive, but nonshedders exhibited limited antibody responses to EBV antigens.
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The research suggests that exceptionally low anti–EBNA-1 titers may indicate a biologically distinct subgroup with superior viral control.
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Findings highlight the need to explore the mechanisms of viral suppression in individuals with low anti–EBNA-1 titers for potential therapeutic insights.

The Journal Of Infectious Diseases

by João Vitor Mahler, Philippe A Bilodeau, Monique Anderson, Takahisa Mikami, Natasha Bobrowski-Khoury, Mulan Jiang, Huimin Zhu, James Nguyen, Marcelo Matiello, Michael Levy, Kjetil Bjornevik, Natalia Drosu
January 6, 2026

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