Immune modulation of human B lymphocytes by gene transfer with recombinant Epstein-Barr virus amplicons

We described previously a novel mode of gene transfer by infection of human B lymphocytes with recombinant Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) amplicons. This system was explored for its potential use in expressing various recombinant genes, including the cytokine IL-4, the HIV envelope glycoprotein (gp120) and a suicide and gag gene. Recombinant genes were present as multiple copy episomes and stable, high level recombinant gene expression could be detected by antigenic and functional assays. Amplicon-infected B cells secreted high levels of recombinant cytokine and efficiently presented recombinant antigens through classes I and II MHC-restricted antigen processing pathways. Thus, recombinant EBV amplicons can be used to express components of the immune system or heterologous genes for immune recognition in human B cells. Combining gene transfer with EBV infection may provide unique advantages for in vitro and in vivo gene transfer.