Intracellular State of Epstein-Barr Virus DNA in Producer Cell Lines

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Abstract
The physical state of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA in 3 cell lines which spontaneously produce virus was characterized. Circular EBV DNA molecules were found in P3HR-1 [human Burkitt''s lymphoma], B95-8 [marmoset neoplastic peripheral leukocyte] cells. Size of intracellular M81 circular EBV DNA molecules is comparable with the linear virus genome isolated from virus particles but the circular P3HR-1 and B95-8 DNA molecules are shorter than the virion DNA. In addition to the circular form, some EBV DNA with physical properties indicative of integrated sequences was found in all 3 producer cell lines. There was no marked change in amount of the circular of integrated forms of EBV DNA when these producer cell lines were grown in the presence of phosphonoacetic acid to suppress spontaneous virus production which occurs in a small percentage of the cells in untreated cultures.