Differential induction of Epstein-Barr virus-related antigens in heterokaryon cultures.

Different paterns of induction of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-related antigens were observed in heterokaryons produced by Sendai virus-mediated fusion of producer and non-producer human lymphoblastoid cells with various other cell types. EBV-related early antigens (EA) and viral capsid antigen (VCA) could obviously be induced in heterokaryons between producer cells (P3HR-1 and QIMR-WIL), normally expressing these natigens at very low frequency, and human FL or HeLa cells. Positive cells were detected as early as 3 h after fusion and there often followed a rapid increase in positive cells. In contrast, in heterokaryons between non-producer cells (Raji and NC-37) and FL or HeLa cells, only EA but not VCA was induced. EA induction was also evident in fusion of human lymphoblastoid cells with monkey cells (Vero) but with mouse cells (L-M(TK-) C11D and MCB-2) no EBV induction occurred. The EBV induction in heterokaryons was significantly enhanced by 5-iododeoxyuridine treatment.