[Monkey B-lymphocyte subpopulations transformed by baboon herpes virus in vivo and in tissue cultures]

Baboon herpes virus (BHV) similarly to human Epstein-Barr virus shows tropism to B cell subpopulation. In lymphoblastoid cultures transformed in vitro by BHV no E-RFC (T cells) are found but there are B cells with surface and cytoplasmic immunoglobulins. In a number of cultures IgM could be detected only in the cell cytoplasm. E-RFC are detectable in cultures in early passages but not after 17 passages which may be due to their elimination. The time course of cell-mediated immunity values was studied in Macaca arctoides monkeys inoculated with BHV. An increase in the relative and absolute number of B cells with surface IgM and IgG in the peripheral blood was noted. Two months after inoculation the values returned to the initial level. The number of E-RFC did not change. Changes in the number of B cells may be associated with the development of immune response, or BHV influence on the process of B cell circulation in the host.