Two-colour immunofluorescence studies on EBV-determined antigens

Abstract

Two-colour fluorescence (TRITC and FITC) has been adapted for the direct visualization of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-determined membrane antigens (MA) and to study their relationship to genetically determined iso-antigens (HL-A type) and to viral capsid antigens (VCA, as defined by the Henle test). The following three postulates, based on indirect deductions from previous blocking, cross-blocking and absorption experiments, could be confirmed by direct visual observation:

(1) Membrane receptors of the HL-A and of the EBV determined MA type are distinct with regard to localization and antigenic specificity;

(2) Different subcomponents within the MA complex are part of the same macromolecular structure on the outer cell membrane;

(3) VCA and MA antigens are distinct with regard to specificity.

In addition, it has been shown that all VCA positive cells are also MA positive in EBV-carrier cultures, but that there exists, in such cultures, a 10-fold excess of MA positive, VCA negative cells.