Activity of the EBNA1 promoter associated with lytic replication (Fp) in Epstein-Barr virus associated disorders

Background/Aims-In Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) positive cell lines that are st ably infected, three different promoters are known to direct the transcript ion of EBV nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1), These are located in the BamHI-C, Bam HI-Q, and BamHI-F regions of the viral genome (Cp, Qp, and Fp, respectively ). Fp is activated upon induction of the viral lytic cycle. The aim of this study was to investigate the activity of Fp in EBV associated diseases. Methods-Using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, a qualitativ e analysis of EBNA1 promoter usage in various EBV associated diseases was p erformed. Results-Fp driven transcription was detected in the context of primary infe ction and/or lytic replication; at least a portion of the Fp driven transcr ipts encoded EBNA1. Qp driven EBNA1 transcripts were detected in most sampl es across the range of disorders tested. Cp driven EBNA1 transcripts were d etected in the context of immune suppression and in samples containing EBV positive (nonneoplastic) lymphoid cells. Conclusions These results confirm the previously proposed "housekeeping") f unction of the Qp promoter.