Propagation and recovery of intact, infectious Epstein–Barr virus from prokaryotic to human cells

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.95.14.8245
• Publication Date: 2002-07-26T14:39:15Z
• Authors: Henri-Jacques Del...; Tanja Hilsendegen; Dagmar Pich; Reinhard Zeidler; Wolfgang Hammersc...
• Keywords: Cloning (programming)

With current techniques, genetic alterations of herpesviruses are difficult to perform, mostly because the large size their genomes. To solve this problem, we have designed a system that allows cloning any γ-herpesvirus in Escherichia coli onto an F factor-derived plasmid. Immortalized B cell lines were readily established with recombinant Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), demonstrating factor-cloned EBV genome has all characteristics wild-type EBV. Because modification is possible E. , experimental approach opens way analysis functions. Moreover, it now feasible generate attenuated strains vitro such vaccine can be designed. incorporated genes for hygromycin resistance and green fluorescent protein cloned genome, still open question target cells other than lymphocytes will addressed.