Transfection of human nasopharyngeal epithelial cells with Epstein-Barr virus DNA

Transfection experiments using Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA were carried out to examine whether three different epithelial cell lines (Ad-AH, D98, and KB) could be transfected and whether biologically active virus could be recovered. We found that the Ad-AH cells derived from the human nasopharynx were more transfectable, as determined by the synthesis of EBV-specific antigens. Concentrates of supernatant fluids obtained from transfected Ad-AH cells were capable of transforming human cord blood lymphocytes (HCBLs). However, no concentrates of supernatant fluids obtained from transfected epithelial cell lines outside the nasopharynx (D98 and KB) were capable of transforming HCBLs.