Effect of n-butyrate on transformation of human lymphocytes by Epstein-Barr virus

3 mM n-butyrate, which effectively induces synthesis of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antigens in the producer P3HR-1 cell line, inhibited the transformation of umbilical cord blood lymphocytes by EBV. The drug inhibited both EBNA synthesis and stimulation of host cell DNA synthesis by strain B95-8. This effect was less pronounced at lower concentrations, but even at 0.1 mM (which did not affect DNA synthesis in EBNA and stimulation of host cell DNA synthesis in EBV-infected lymphocytes were delayed.