[Studies on Epstein-Barr virus strain differences with monoclonal antibodies].

In order to differentiate a new EBV strain, H18, from other EBV strains, we prepared and screened by indirect immunofluorescence (IF) viable cells and fixed cells of a series hybridoma lines that produce monoclonal antibodies against H18 EBV membrane antigen (MA). T1-11 clone was used for further study: T14-11 antibody neutralizes EBV in vitro and recognizes polypeptides P220, P175 and P140 from purified H18 EBV particles, as shown by the Western Blot technique. The presence of the three polypeptides on the plasma membrane and in the cytoplasm may be detected by IF using T14-11 antibody. Treatment with puromycin completely abolished the expression of the antigen recognized by T14-11, and this Ab was shown to be specific for an early membrane antigen of EBV.