Search for infectious Epstein-Barr virus-releasing cell lines, with particular reference to a new producer line,...

In a search for infectious Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-producer cell sources, 36 EBV genome-carrying lymphoblastoid cell lines originating from various sources in Japan were screened. Three cell lines derived from different sources were found to release infectious EBV into the culture fluid. EBV from these 3 lines possessed leucocyte-transformation activity but did not induce early antigen formation. One of the three lines, NHAd-60, originated from an adenoid tissue; it released a relatively large amount of infectious virus (10(2) to 10(3) of 50% of transforming dose of cord leucocytes). The NHAd-60 virus strain was further characterized. Cellular, virological, and immunological properties were described and discussed, and compared with EBV from known producer cell lines.