B cell infection with EBV is latent, and the virus does not undergo replication. These latently infected B cells can then go on to produce proteins that function to promote cellular growth through modification of normal signaling pathways. EBV promotes the development of malignant B cells via proteins that limit apoptosis in cells that had the c-myc translocation. Apoptosis is limited by EBV through various means such as the EBNA-1 protein, BHF1 protein, EBER transcripts, vIL-10 gene, BZLF1, and LMP1. Malaria has been found to cause genomic instability in endemic Burkitt lymphoma. Malaria can lead to the reactivation of latent EBV and also MYC translocations via activation of the toll-like receptor 9. Malaria also promotes B-cell proliferation by altering the regular immune response. The immune system targets antigens (e.g., EBNA2 and LMP-1) and eliminates most B cells infected with EBV. Downregulation of antigens targeted by the immune system leads to the development of persistent B cells. These B cells can then undergo further mutations (e.g., c-myc translocation) that promote cancer development. Immunology
Burkitt Lymphoma cells express HLA class I molecules normally, as well as some HLA class II complexes; however, CD4+ T cells are not properly activated. Burkitt lymphoma cells only express EBNA 1, a poorly antigenic EBV-associated antigen, that is able to escape HLA class I presentation, thus evades an immune response. EBNA 1 can be presented via HLA class II molecules, however HLA Class II pathway is unable to activate the CD4+ T cells.
Immunohistochemistry
The tumor cells in Burkitt lymphoma generally strongly express markers of B cell differentiation (CD20, CD22, CD19), as well as CD10 and BCL6. The tumor cells are generally negative for BCL2 and TdT. The high mitotic activity of Burkitt lymphoma is confirmed by nearly 100% of the cells staining positive for Ki67. Treatment
In general, the first line of treatment for Burkitt lymphoma is chemotherapy. A few of these regimens are: the GMALL-B-ALL/NHL2002 protocol, the modified Magrath regimen (R-CODOX-M/IVAC). COPADM, hyper-CVAD, and the Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) 8811 regimen; these can be associated with rituximab. In older patients, treatment may be dose-adjusted EPOCH with rituximab.The effects of the chemotherapy, as with all cancers, depend on the time of diagnosis. With faster-growing cancers, such as Burkitt, the cancer actually responds faster than with slower-growing cancers. This rapid response to chemotherapy can be hazardous to the patient, as a phenomenon called "tumor lysis syndrome" could occur. Close monitoring of the patient and adequate hydration is essential during the process. Since Burkitt lymphoma has high propensity to spread to the central nervous system (lymphomatous meningitis), intrathecal chemotherapy with methotrexate and/or ARA-C and/or prednisolone is given along with systemic chemotherapy.Chemotherapy

cyclophosphamide
doxorubicin
vincristine
methotrexate
cytarabine
ifosfamide
etoposide
rituximabOther treatments for Burkitt lymphoma include immunotherapy, bone marrow transplants, stem cell transplant, surgery to remove the tumor, and radiotherapy. Prognosis
The prognosis for Burkitt lymphoma is superior in children and increased age is a negative prognostic indicator. The overall cure rate for sporadic Burkitt lymphoma in developed countries is about 90%.