Can Epstein-Barr virus infect and transform all the B-lymphocytes of human cord blood?
Quantitative aspects of Epstein-Barr virus infection and transformation of human neonatal B-lymphocytes have been investigated. 72 to 90% B-cells were obtained with enrichment. Of the B-cells, 19 to 97% showed nuclear antigen (EBNA) 2 days after infection. A difference between different B-cell donors in susceptibility to infection was noted. Analysis of the virus dose-response curves obtained with twofold virus dilutions showed that one virus particle is sufficient to induce EBNA in a cell. Of the infected cells, 50 to 95% multiplied in microtitre wells containing a human fibroblast feeder layer, while only a small proportion established growing colonies in soft agarose, that could be picked up and subcultured.
D000818:Animals; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004306:Dose-Response Relationship, Immunologic; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000166:cytology; D005347:Fibroblasts; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008168:Lung; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D012685:Sepharose; D014412:Tumor Virus Infections / Q000276:immunology
D000956:Antigens, Viral; D012685:Sepharose