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. Nuclear reaction is shown with EBV EBNA2 antibody. DAB chromogen is used.
EBV associated smooth muscle tumor, shown in the lower image, in 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.