Abstract
Quantitative aspects of EpsteinBarr virus infection and transformation of human neonatal B-lymphocytes have been investigated. 72 to 90% B-cells were obtained with enrichment. Of the B-cells, 19 to 97% showed nuclear antigen (EBNA) 2 days after infection. A difference between different B-cell donors in susceptibility to infection was noted. Analysis of the virus doseresponse curves obtained with twofold virus dilutions showed that one virus particle is sufficient to induce EBNA in a cell. Of the infected cells, 50 to 95% multiplied in microtitre wells containing a human fibroblast feeder layer, while only a small proportion established growing colonies in soft agarose, that could be picked up and subcultured.