title: New method for detecting Epstein-Barr virus association in nonproducer lymphoblastoid cell lines.
abstract: Epstein-Barr virus association in nonproducer human lymphoblastoid cell lines can be demonstrated by the presence of the virus genome (nucleic acid hybridization studies) or by the detection of the virus-coded complement-fixing antigen (complement fixation and/or anti-complement immunofluorescent test). This paper describes an enzyme immunoassay for the detection of Epstein-Barr virus complement-fixing antigen and its application to the demonstration of Epstein-Barr virus association in nonproducer lymphoblastoid cell lines. The assay is based on competition for complement between Epstein-Barr complement-fixing antigen and its specific antibody and a probe complex composed of Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase and specific anti-beta-galactosidase antibody. This competitive enzyme immunoassay is a specific and sensitive procedure for detecting Epstein-Barr virus association in nonproducer cell lines, allowing also quantitative estimation of the amount of antigen produced.
mesh_terms: D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D002051:Burkitt Lymphoma / Q000276:immunology*; D002460:Cell Line; D006367:HeLa Cells / Q000382:microbiology; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D007945:Leukemia, Lymphoid / Q000276:immunology*; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000382:microbiology*
chemical_list: D000956:Antigens, Viral