BamHI E region of the Epstein-Barr virus genome encodes three transformation-associated nuclear proteins.
Recombinant vectors carrying DNA fragments from the BamHI E region of the B95-8 Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) genome were transfected into COS-1 cells, and the transient expression of EBV-encoded nuclear antigens (EBNAs) was analyzed by using polyvalent human antisera and rabbit antibodies to synthetic peptides. Vector DNA containing two rightward open reading frames in the BamHI E fragment, BERF2a and BERF2b, induced the expression of a nuclear antigen identical serologically and with respect to size to the larger of the two polypeptides previously designated as EBNA4 in B95-8 cells. An antigen corresponding to the smaller polypeptide was induced in cells transfected with constructs that contained two neighboring reading frames, BERF3 and BERF4. This antigen also reacted with a rabbit antiserum to the synthetic peptide 203, deduced from BERF4. Thus, the findings show that the two components of the EBNA4 doublet in B95-8 cells are encoded by separate genes. The antigen encoded by BERF2a and/or BERF2b has been designated as EBNA4 and the antigen encoded by BERF3 and/or BERF4 has been designated as EBNA6. Polyvalent human antisera detected EBNA4 and EBNA6 in 9 of 11 lymphoid cell lines carrying independent EBV isolates. In the remaining two lines, either EBNA4 or EBNA6 was not detectable.
Ricksten
A
A
Department of Medical Biochemistry, Gothenburg University, Sweden.
Kallin
B
B
Alexander
H
H
Dillner
J
J
Fåhraeus
R
R
Klein
G
G
Lerner
R
R
Rymo
L
L
D000818:Animals; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D002460:Cell Line; D002472:Cell Transformation, Viral; D002522:Chlorocebus aethiops; D019309:Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigens; D005347:Fibroblasts; D005814:Genes, Viral; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008214:Lymphocytes; D009856:Oncogene Proteins, Viral / Q000235:genetics*
D000956:Antigens, Viral; D019309:Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigens; D009856:Oncogene Proteins, Viral