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Epstein-Barr virus lacking glycoprotein gp85 cannot infect B cells and epithelial cells
1Department of Tumor Virology, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, N15 W7, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-8638, Japan.
Virology
|October 7, 2000
Summary
The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) gp85 protein, encoded by the BXLF2 gene, is crucial for infecting both B cells and epithelial cells. This study shows gp85 is necessary for EBV attachment and subsequent infection.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a human herpesvirus implicated in various cancers.
- The role of specific EBV proteins, like gp85 encoded by BXLF2, in cellular infection requires detailed investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if the EBV BXLF2 gene, coding for gp85 protein, is essential for B cell and epithelial cell infection.
- To elucidate the function of gp85 in EBV's cellular entry mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Construction and analysis of an EBV recombinant virus lacking the BXLF2 gene (gp85).
- Assessment of viral attachment and infectivity in human B cells and a gastric adenocarcinoma cell line (NU-GC-3).
- Detection of gp85 expression using a specific monoclonal antibody (E1D1).
Main Results:
- The BXLF2-disrupted EBV failed to express detectable gp85 proteins.
- EBV lacking gp85 could attach to B cells but could not infect them.
- The gp85-deficient EBV failed to bind to and infect NU-GC-3 epithelial cells.
Conclusions:
- The gp85 protein is essential for EBV infection of both B lymphocytes and epithelial cells.
- gp85 plays a critical role in the attachment of EBV to epithelial cells, facilitating infection.