Epstein-barr virus-induced cap formation in human lymphoblastoid cells.

Redistribution and consequent cap formation of Epstein-Barr virus adsorbed to human lymphoblastoid cells were studied by indirect membrane immunofluorescence carried out at 0 degrees C. When EBV was adsorbed on cells at 0 degrees C, the cell surface fluorescence had a mostly r-ng-like pattern. However, the ring cells could be transformed into cap cells when warmed at 37 degrees C. This cap formation could be induced by EBV alone without participation of antibodies involved in the immunofluorescence procedure. The cap formation was temperature- and pH-dependent, and was reversibly inhibited by sodium azide or some sugars. Thus the EBV-induced cap formation was analogous to that induced by antibodies or ligands on other lymphoid cells.