The high levels of these miRNAs in the EBV − CLL group may be due to their role in the pathogenesis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, where miRNAs such as miR-15a and miR-16 act as tumor suppressors by controlling the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins such as BCL2 and by inhibiting uncontrolled cell proliferation. This evidence concerns the gene BCL2 and B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia.