Effects of Epstein-Barr virus on host gene expression in Burkitt's lymphoma cell lines

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is present in Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) cells in a latent form, showing a highly restricted pattern of gene expression with few tumor cells undergoing viral lytic replication. BL cell lines can be induced to enter the viral lytic cycle and initiate replication by stimulating surface immunoglobulin molecules. During this process many EBV genes are expressed that have the potential to influence host gene expression. We aimed to identify host genes that are regulated by EBV in BL cells and those that are regulated following ligation of surface IgG.