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gp140, the C3d receptor of human B lymphocytes, is also the Epstein-Barr virus receptor

Insights

The study identifies gp140, the C3d receptor (CR2) on human B lymphocytes, as the Epstein-Barr virus receptor (EBVR). This finding reveals gp140

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Virology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) receptor (EBVR) on human B lymphocytes is crucial for viral entry.
  • gp140 is a known membrane protein on B lymphocytes, identified as the C3d receptor (CR2).
  • The precise identity of EBVR has been a subject of investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between gp140 (CR2) and the Epstein-Barr virus receptor (EBVR).
  • To determine if gp140 functions as the EBV receptor on human B lymphocytes.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized polyclonal anti-gp140 IgG and anti-gp72 IgG antibodies.
  • Assessed binding of EBV and C3d to Raji cells using immunofluorescence and flow cytofluorometry.
  • Measured EBV binding via a semiquantitative bioassay.
  • Evaluated the inhibition of EBV-determined nuclear antigen induction in lymphocytes.

Main Results:

  • Polyclonal anti-gp140 IgG directly inhibited both EBV and C3d binding to Raji cells at equivalent concentrations.
  • Anti-gp72 IgG and preimmune serum IgG did not inhibit EBV binding, even at 35 times higher concentrations.
  • Anti-gp140 IgG treatment inhibited EBV-induced nuclear antigen formation in lymphocytes, while anti-gp72 IgG did not.

Conclusions:

  • gp140, the C3d receptor (CR2) of human B lymphocytes, is also the Epstein-Barr virus receptor (EBVR).
  • These findings establish a direct role for gp140 in EBV binding and subsequent cellular events.

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