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Establishment of Epstein-Barr Virus Growth-transformed Lymphoblastoid Cell Lines
Published on: November 8, 2011
Interleukin-12 expression in B cells by transformation with Epstein-Barr virus
T Yoshimoto1, H Nagase, T Yoneto
1Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan. yoshimot@ims.u-tokyo.ac.jp
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|December 5, 1998
Summary
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) transformation of B cells induces interleukin-12 (IL-12) production. This is linked to EBV's latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) expression and nuclear factor-kappaB activation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Interleukin-12 (IL-12) was initially isolated from Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-transformed B cells.
- A correlation between EBV infection and IL-12 expression has been proposed, but a direct link remains unconfirmed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the direct relationship between EBV infection and IL-12 expression in B cells.
- To elucidate the role of EBV-associated proteins in IL-12 production.
Main Methods:
- In vitro transformation of human peripheral B cells with EBV.
- Analysis of IL-12 p40 and p35 mRNA and protein expression.
- Transfection of a human B lymphoma cell line (Daudi) with a latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) expression vector.
- Assessment of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation.
Main Results:
- EBV transformation induced constitutive production of IL-12 p40 in B cells.
- IL-12 production correlated with the expression of EBV's LMP1.
- Phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) stimulation enhanced IL-12 production.
- LMP1 expression in Daudi cells led to p40 production and NF-kappaB activation.
Conclusions:
- EBV transformation of primary B cells directly induces IL-12 expression.
- The EBV-encoded LMP1 protein likely plays a key role in mediating IL-12 production.
- NF-kappaB activation is involved in the EBV-induced IL-12 expression pathway.
