The function and mechanism of EBV non-coding RNA in cancers

<p indent="0mm">Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is classified within the gamma herpesvirus subfamily and is prevalent in the human population, exhibiting a significant association with various malignancies, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma, gastric cancer, and lymphoma. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms that drive EBV-associated carcinogenesis remain inadequately understood. EBV non-coding RNAs include long non-coding RNAs (EBV lncRNAs), EBV-encoded small RNAs (EBERs), and EBV microRNAs (miRNAs). Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) non-coding RNAs significantly influence various biological processes, including viral replication, latency, tumor cell survival, proliferation, metastasis, and immune evasion by their interactions with potential target genes. This area of research has garnered considerable attention from the EBV research community in recent years. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the functions and signaling pathways associated with EBV non-coding RNAs, while also discussing critical issues within the field. We aim to offer novel insights for the clinical application of targeting EBV non-coding RNAs.