Vero cell‐expressed Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) gp350/220 protects marmosets from EBV challenge

Abstract
The Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) major membrane antigen, gp350/220, was purified from expressing, genetically engineered Vero cells. The antigen, formulated either with alum or Freund's adjuvant, was inoculated into EBV infection‐susceptible marmosets. After several injections, most of the marmosets developed anti‐gp350/220 antibodies, and several exhibited virus‐neutralizing activity. The immune response elicited by the alum‐adsorbed antigen proved to be protective upon virus challenge of the inoculated animals. Protection did not correlate with the presence of neutralizing antibodies.