Multiple functions are mediated by the miRNAs of Epstein-Barr virus

Epstein-Barr virus is a gammaherpes virus that is causally associated with several malignancies and expresses multiple miRNAs in both normal and tumor cells. Since the identification of virally encoded miRNAs, various mRNAs have been identified as targets for regulation by EBV's miRNAs in host cells. We shall summarize these targets, the robustness of their identification, and examine how the regulation of these targets by EBV contributes to the successful infection of its host.