Features Distinguishing Epstein-Barr Virus Infections of Epithelial Cells and B Cells: Viral Genome Expression, Genome Maintenance, and Genome Amplification

Abstract excerpt

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with malignant diseases of lymphoid and epithelial cell origin. The tropism of EBV is due to B-cell-restricted expression of CD21, the major receptor molecule for the virus. However, efficient infection of CD21- epithelial cells can be achieved via transfer from EBV-coated B cells. We compare and contrast here the early events following in vitro infection of primary B cells...