Immune modulation of human B lymphocytes by gene transfer with recombinant Epstein-Barr virus amplicons.
We described previously a novel mode of gene transfer by infection of human B lymphocytes with recombinant Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) amplicons. This system was explored for its potential use in expressing various recombinant genes, including the cytokine IL-4, the HIV envelope glycoprotein (gp120) and a suicide and gag gene. Recombinant genes were present as multiple copy episomes and stable, high level recombinant gene expression could be detected by antigenic and functional assays. Amplicon-infected B cells secreted high levels of recombinant cytokine and efficiently presented recombinant antigens through classes I and II MHC-restricted antigen processing pathways. Thus, recombinant EBV amplicons can be used to express components of the immune system or heterologous genes for immune recognition in human B cells. Combining gene transfer with EBV infection may provide unique advantages for in vitro and in vivo gene transfer.
Wang
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Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA. fwang@rics.bwh.harvard.edu
Seldin
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Annis
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Trocha
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Johnson
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D017951:Antigen Presentation / Q000276:immunology; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D002461:Cell Line, Transformed; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D005822:Genetic Vectors; D015488:HIV Antigens / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D015699:HIV Envelope Protein gp120 / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000276:immunology; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000235:genetics; D011995:Recombination, Genetic
D015488:HIV Antigens; D015699:HIV Envelope Protein gp120; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II; D015847:Interleukin-4