Epstein-Barr Virus: Transformation, Cytopathic Changes, and Viral Antigens in Squirrel Monkey and Marmoset Leukocytes

Abstract

Blood leukocytes of two species of new world primates, other than human, transform following exposure to Epstein-Barr virus. The transformed simian cells produce Epstein-Barr virus antigens and infectious (transforming) virus. The simian lymphoblastoid cells form multinucleate giant cells that appear to be selective sites for the production of Epstein-Barr virus. Multinucleate cells reveal intranuclear inclusions; in both species, a large proportion of giant cells contain Epstein-Barr virus antigen detectable by immunofluorescence.