Reverse transcriptase activity and particle production in B lymphoblastoid cell lines established from lymphocytes of patients with multiple sclerosis.
We have established spontaneously formed B lymphoblastoid cell lines from long-term cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) from multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The MS cell lines actively produce retrovirus-like particles as well as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Using three different variations of the highly sensitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assays for the detection of reverse transcriptase (RT) activity, we have verified the retroviral origin of the retrovirus-like particles that are produced in very low amounts by the MS cell lines.
Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Aarhus, Denmark. mikrtc@svfcd.aau.dk
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Christensen
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Tönjes
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zur Megede
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Boller
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Møller-Larsen
D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000821:virology*; D002460:Cell Line; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology*; D012194:RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D012190:Retroviridae / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000502:physiology; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods; D014771:Virion / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure
D012194:RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase