The Epstein-Barr Virus and Neoplasia

Abstract

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is a lymphotropic herpes virus in man.1 Its main target is the human B lymphocyte.2 Only B lymphocytes and most if not all B lymphocytes have specific EBV receptors.3 Recent evidence suggests that the complement receptor of the B lymphocyte is either identical or closely associated with EBV receptor (Jondal M, Klein G, Oldstone MB: unpublished data).EBV can convert normal lymphocytes, which have a limited life span in vitro, into permanently growing cell lines.4 5 6 7 8 9 Such "immortalized" lines have a diploid or near-diploid karyotype,10 carry multiple copies of the viral genome per cell11 12 13 14 and express EBV-specific nuclear . . .