Solubilisation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated nuclear antigen from Raji cells and chromatin by treatment with various molarities of NaCl.

The solubilisation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated nuclear antigen (EBNA) by treatment with various molarities of NaCl was investigated using the 125I--IgG absorption assay. Ninety percent of the antigenic activity detected using the 125I--IgG absorption assay was insoluble at 0.15 M NaCl. It could be rendered soluble by treatment with 2.0 M NaCl, but reprecipitated upon return to 0.15 M NaCl. EBNA was partially extracted from Raji chromatin by treatment with 0.35 M NaCl. The efficiency of extraction was increased by homogenisation in 2.0 M NaCl followed by dialysis to 0.35 M NaCl. The data demonstrate the close association of EBNA with Raji chromatin and suggest that it may be a chromatin-associated non-histone protein.