The present disclosure provides EBNA1 and LMP1 dual-targeting peptides and upconversion nanoparticles conjugates comprising the same useful as therapeutic and theranostic agents capable of targeting EBNA1 and LMP1 proteins present in Epstein-Barr virus infected cells, such as cancer.

Provided herein are methods, compositions, kits, and systems for detecting Epstein Barr virus infection (EBV) in gastric cancer (GC) patients. In particular, provided herein are methods, composition, kits, and systems for diagnosing and treating EBV-positive gastric cancer (EBV.sup.+ GC) in a biological sample of an individual based on the presence and level of antibodies against particular Epstein Barr virus proteins. EBV.sup.+ GC is a distinct subtype of gastric cancer and is associated with unique molecular profiles. Also provided herein are methods for providing more personalized therapy for each of these distinct cancer subtypes and methods for determining an Epstein Barr virus-positive gastric cancer antibody signature, and kits comprising components and protocols for performing the methods of this disclosure.

Methods are provided to improve the positive predictive value for cancer detection using cell-free nucleic acid samples. Various embodiments are directed to applications (e.g., diagnostic applications) of the analysis of the fragmentation patterns and size of cell-free DNA, e.g., plasma DNA and serum DNA, including nucleic acids from pathogens, including viruses. Embodiments of one application can determine if a subject has a particular condition. For example, a method of present disclosure can determine if a subject has cancer or a tumor, or other pathology. Embodiments of another application can be used to assess the stage of a condition, or the progression of a condition over time. For example, a method of the present disclosure may be used to determine a stage of cancer in a subject, or the progression of cancer in a subject over time (e.g., using samples obtained from a subject at different times).

A method for predicting whether a patient will be a long-term survivor on treatment of a disease by adoptive cell transfer (ACT), is disclosed comprising: (i) analysing a blood-derived sample obtained from the patient for one or more prognostic markers of long-term survival on treatment of a disease by ACT, and; (ii) based on the analysis of step (i), predicting whether the patient will be a long-term survivor on treatment of the disease by ACT. Also disclosed are methods for treating a patient by ACT, methods for selecting a patient for treatment by ACT, and methods for selecting a patient for treatment of a disease by ACT.

A diagnostic test is described using Aspergillus flavus fungal cultures, EBV or their combination to induce leukemic cell surface markers in mononuclear cells of former or current leukemia patients. Unlike aflotoxin, which indiscriminately induces leukemic transformation, the compositions used were specific to leukemia-predisposed patients, but not other cancers or normal controls. The test identifies survivors of ALL and can detect propensity for development of leukemia in susceptible individuals. An ELISA technique using the described fungal products or EBV and combination can detect individuals with history of leukemia and not controls. These findings have implications for the etiology of leukemias and lymphomas and use for mass screening, detection of susceptible individuals to leukemia and potential vaccination.

The present invention provides designed polypeptides that selectively bind to and inhibit Epstein Barr protein BHFR1, and B cell lymphoma family proteins, and are thus useful for treating Epstein Barr-related diseases and cancer.

The present invention provides designed polypeptides that selectively bind to and inhibit Epstein Barr protein BHFR1, and B cell lymphoma family proteins, and are thus useful for treating Epstein Barr-related diseases and cancer.

The present invention relates to a cell model for diseases associated with corneal neovascularization by using Epstein Barr virus (EBV)-infected human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs). Provided are a method for preparing a cell model for diseases associated with corneal neovascularization by using EBV-infected HCECs, the method including: infecting HCECs with EBV; culturing the infected HCECs; and determining whether the cultured HCECs are infected with EBV. In addition, provided is a method for screening diseases associated with corneal neovascularization prepared by the cell model for diseases associated with corneal neovascularization.

Disclosed herein are methods of selecting an allogeneic T cell line for therapeutic administration to a patient having or suspected of having a pathogen or cancer. Also disclosed are methods of selecting a donor from whom to derive an allogeneic T cell line for therapeutic administration to a patient having or suspected of having a pathogen or cancer.

The present invention generally provides for a novel NEC-targeted strategy for the development of antiherpesviral drugs as well as for a novel antiviral strategy targeting the viral-cellular nuclear egress complex (NEC) for a small molecule-based therapy or prophylaxis to control infections with human cytomegalovirus or other pathogenic viruses of the group of the Herpesviridae. Methods for screening agents/compounds/small molecules modulating/inhibiting the nuclear egress complex of Herpesviridae are provided as well. Specifically novel drug targets of the viral nuclear egress complex of viruses of the Herpesviridae are provided.