Complement-fixing antigens in lymphoid cell lines of American origin

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Herpes-like viruses have been associated with lymphoid cell lines, particularly African Burkitt lymphoma.
• Previous studies indicated a strong correlation between herpes-like virus presence and complement-fixing (CF) antigen reactivity in African cell lines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence of herpes-like viruses and their associated complement-fixing (CF) antigens in American lymphoid cell lines.
• To compare the viral and antigenic characteristics of American cell lines with those of African Burkitt lymphoma cell lines.

Main Methods:

• Electron microscopy (EM) and immunofluorescence (IF) were used to detect herpes-like particles.
• Complement-fixing (CF) assays were performed using American and African sera against cell extracts.
• Lymphoid cell lines from American patients with infectious mononucleosis (Choate, EH IV, OP) and a normal American (Cassio) were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Herpes-like particles were detected in Cassio (EM, IF) and OP (IF only) American cell lines.
• No herpes-like virus was found in Choate or EH IV American cell lines by EM or IF.
• Complement-fixing (CF) antibodies were present in African and American sera against Cassio and OP cell extracts.
• Normal American sera showed CF antibodies to Choate cell extracts, but EH IV cells lacked detectable CF antigens.
• CF antigens in the herpes virus-negative Choate cell line were serologically distinct from those in Burkitt lines.

Conclusions:

• American lymphoid cell lines, including those from infectious mononucleosis, exhibit varied presence of herpes-like viruses and antigens.
• The findings suggest that American cell lines may harbor distinct herpes-like viruses or express unique antigens compared to African Burkitt lymphoma lines.
• Further research is needed to determine if the observed antigens are related to the herpes-like virus genome in these American cell lines.