Abstract
Using reverse transcription of whole cellular RNA and nested PCR, we have performed experiments mixing different proportions of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-carrying and EBV-negative cells. Based on the results, a method that detects viral transcripts for EBNA-1, EBNA-2, LMP1, and LMP2a from less than one positive cell among 10(5) negative cells was developed. With this method we have shown that the EBV DNA positive cells among small, high-density peripheral blood B-lymphocytes of normal healthy persons express EBNA-1-mRNA but not EBNA-2 or LMP1. A similar EBV expression pattern is found in type I Burkitt lymphoma cells. We suggest that the expression pattern in the lymphoma cells reflects the viral strategy in normal resting B cells and meets the requirements of latent persistence.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Antigens, Viral / biosynthesis*
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Antigens, Viral / genetics
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B-Lymphocytes / immunology
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B-Lymphocytes / metabolism
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B-Lymphocytes / virology*
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Base Sequence
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Burkitt Lymphoma / immunology
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Burkitt Lymphoma / metabolism*
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Burkitt Lymphoma / pathology
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Callithrix
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Cell Line
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DNA Primers
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DNA-Binding Proteins / biosynthesis*
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DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
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Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigens
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Herpesvirus 4, Human / immunology
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Herpesvirus 4, Human / physiology*
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Humans
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Molecular Sequence Data
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Tumor Cells, Cultured
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Viral Matrix Proteins / biosynthesis*
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Viral Matrix Proteins / genetics
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Virus Latency
Substances
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Antigens, Viral
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DNA Primers
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DNA-Binding Proteins
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EBV-associated membrane antigen, Epstein-Barr virus
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Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigens
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Viral Matrix Proteins