Given that TGFβ is important to induce SSc pro-fibrotic phenotype and TGFβ is also important for EBV replication, since it induces Zta and could potentially reactivate EBV in vivo (36, 114, 115), it possible that pro-fibrotic phenotype promotes EBV reactivation in SSc monocytes. The gene discussed is TGFB1; the disease is systemic sclerosis.