Effects of temperature on Epstein-Barr virus replication in epithelial/nasopharyngeal carcinoma hybrid cells

The authors studied the replication of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in the epithelial hybrid cells derived from nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPCKT) caused by the effects of sub-optimal incubation at 34, 32 and 28 degrees C, respectively, using an immunofluorescence technique. The intensity of EBV induction by sub-optimal temperatures was in the order of 32 degrees C----28 degrees C----34 degrees C. In particular, 18-24% positive cells for early antigen and viral capsid antigen were observed at around 10 to 14 days after shift-down of the incubation temperature from 37 to 32 degrees C.