In vitro lymphocyte transformation by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-like viruses isolated from Old-World non-human primates.

EBV-like viruses and lymphoid cell lines have been isolated from baboons and an orangutan. The cell lines have properties of B- or undifferentiated lymphocytes and have antigens and DNA related to those of EBV. The baboon virus has a broad in vitro transformation host range among lymphocytes of Old-World simian species whereas the orangutan isolate has a narrower host range. Baboon and orangutan viruses as well as EBV have shown transforming activity for gibbon lymphocytes. Baboon virus is infectious for rhesus monkeys and baboons but has not induced neoplastic disease in these species.