Expression of Epstein-Barr virus membrane antigen gp350/220 in E. coli and in insect cells

The Epstein-Barr virus open reading frame BLLF1 encodes the major envelope glycoproteins gp350 and gp220. Fragments of the gp350/220 gene were expressed in Escherichia coli in order to define regions of the polypeptide chain reacting with human sera. The C-terminal half of the protein was sufficient for recognition by all VCA-positive sera tested. A membrane anchor truncated version of gp350/220 was expressed in insect cells using the baculovirus system. Proteins of different sizes were specifically detected in the cells while a glycosylated 220-kDa protein was secreted. The insect cells were tested for their suitability as tools for performing monospecific immunofluorescence.