Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) genetics and Epstein-Barr virus in the pathogenesis of NPC.

Six case-control studies have shown consistent HLA associations among our Chinese NPC patients. These findings have been confirmed in many countries with a sizable Chinese population. Sibpair studies from China, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore not only confi rmed the linkage with HLA but also indicated that both chromosome sixes are involved. Our current interests are in using computer program predictions of EBV peptide binding to at risk and protective HLA alleles and validate these predictions with the binding of synthesized peptides to the relevant HLA alleles. The ability of these HLA peptide combinations to bind to and stimulate relevant T cells is tested using tetramer technology and Elispot assays. SNPs are also used to scan chromosome six of patients and controls for other genes associated with NPC. We have also started to look at the contribution of NK receptors to the aetiology of NPC.

First degree relatives of NPC patients are at high risk of developing NPC and many normal relatives have raised EBV serology. Together with the ENT department at NUH, we are monitoring relatives of NPC patients with HLA, EBV serology and serum EBV DNA copy numbers for the early detection of NPC.

Sero-surveillance and vaccine efficacy of infectious diseases in Singapore. We have monitored exposure to dengue, EV71, Haemophilus influenzae infections in Singaporean children and the need for Hepatitis B and acellular pertussis vaccine boosters in children and adults.

Yu HX, Srinivasan N, Ren EC and Chan SH (2005) Identification of CD8+ T cell epitopes specific for immediate-early transactivator Rta of Epstein-Barr virus. Hum. Immunol. 66:483-493

Yu HX, Chia JM, Bourque G, Wong MV, Chan SH and Ren EC (2005) A population-based LD map of the human chromosome 6p. Immunogenetics. 57:559-565

Ng LFP, Chan M, Chan SH, Cheng PCP, Leung EHC, Chen WN and Ren EC (2005) Host heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNP K) as a potential target to suppress Hepatitis B virus replication. PloS. Med. 2:673-683

Yu HX, Srinivasan N, Ren EC and Chan SH (2005) A11 tetramers-assisted characterization of Rta-specific CD8+ T cell responses in healthy virus carriers. Tissue Antigens. 65, 6:539-543

Hu, HZ, KF Tang, Chua YN, Lu JH, Feng P, Chew TC and Chan SH (2004) Expression of interleukin-18 by nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells: a factor that possibly initiates the massive leukocyte infiltration. Hum. Pathol. 35, 6:722-728

Ooi EE, Phoon MC, Baharudin Ishak and Chan SH (2002) Seroepidemiology of human enterovirus 71. Emerg. Infect. Dis. 8:995-997

Li, B, JY New, E H Yap, J Lu, Chan SH and H Hu (2001) Blocking L-selectin and alpha 4-integrin changes donor cell homing pattern and ameliorates murine acute graft versus host disease. Eur. J. Immunol. 31:617-624

Ooi, E E, T J Hart, H C Tan and Chan SH (2001) Dengue seroepidemiology in Singapore. Lancet. 357:685-686