Epstein-Barr virus DNA in Reed-Sternberg cells of Hodgkin's disease is frequently associated with CR2 (EBV receptor) expression

We studied 44 cases of Hodgkin's disease for the presence of Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) DNA, its localization and the expression of the EBV receptor on the tumour cells. EBV DNA was found in 52% (16/31) of the Hodgkin's lymphomas using the polymerase chain reaction. With a very sensitive non‐radioactive DNA in situ hybridization technique in combination with immunohistochemistry for CD 30 or CD 15 antigens, EBV DNA was localized to Reed‐Sternberg cells and its mononuclear variants. The relationship between the presence of EBV DNA and the expression of the EBV‐receptor CR2 (CD 21) on Reed‐Sternberg cells was studied using the same techniques and two different monoclonal anti‐CD 21 antibodies. CR2 could be detected on a substantial number of the Reed‐Sternberg cells in EBV DNA positive Hodgkin's lymphomas (9/12; 75%), whereas in EBV negative cases positivity with anti‐CD 21 was rare (1/13; 8%). The results indicate that CR2 expression on Reed‐Sternberg cells and the presence of EBV DNA sequences are frequently associated in Hodgkin's lymphomas.