# EPSTEIN BARR VIRUS MEMBRANE ANTIGEN

> **NIH NIH R01** · TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON · 1988 · $103,117

## Abstract

The aim of this project is to analyze Epstein-Barr Virus associated
antigens, particularly membrane antigens, at the molecular level.  They
will be identified with new and available monoclonal antibodies.  The same
antibodies will be used to purify the antigen and isolated material will
then be injected into rabbits to generate polypeptide specific anti-sera.
The biosynthesis and cellular distribution of the polypeptides will be
studied by performing immunoprecipitation on pulse/chase radio-labelled
cells and subcellular fractions and by light and electron immunomicroscopy
on cells and virions.  Finally, the genetic origin of these antigens will
be analyzed using in vitro translation techniques, amino acid sequencing of
purified antigens and analysis of their expression in translated L cells.

The antigens will be studied because they play a central role in all
aspects of EBV biology and its interaction with the infected cell and
host.  Thus, the virion antigens are structural components of the virion,
targets for neutralizing antibody and the molecules involved in
interactionwith the EBV receptor.  Cell surface antigens may play a role
both in the maintenance of the transformed state and as targets for
immunity.  Lastly antigens on EBV producer cells may be involved both in
the synthesis of infectious virions and as targets for antibody dependent
cellular cytotoxicity.  In order to study such antigens a wide variety of
expertise in the fields of immunology, biochemistry and molecular biology
will be required.  The knowledge thus gained should provide insights into
the mechanism of infection, cellular transformation, and protective
immunity in both normal individuals and in those individuals susceptible to
the EBV associated diseases.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3170001
- **Project number:** 5R01CA031893-07
- **Recipient organization:** TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON
- **SAM.gov UEI:** C1F5LNUF7W86
- **Principal Investigator:** David A. Thorley-Lawson
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1988
- **Award amount:** $103,117
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1981-07-01 → 1988-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3170001

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3170001, EPSTEIN BARR VIRUS MEMBRANE ANTIGEN (5R01CA031893-07). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3170001. Licensed CC0.

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