HLA-DRB1*0404, an RA predisposing allele, is associated with low frequencies of T cells specific for EBV gp110, a replicative phase glycoprotein critical for the control of EBV infection.
In addition, gp110(high) viruses infected the carcinoma cell line HeLa and the T cell lymphoma cell line Molt-4, both previously thought to be refractory to EBV infection.
To investigate whether gp110, like gB, is essential for EBV infection, a selectable marker was inserted within the gp110 reading frame, BALF4, and the resulting null mutant EBV stain, B95-110HYG, was recovered in lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs).
Humans with serologic evidence of Epstein-Barr virus infection had serum antibodies to gp110 and peripheral blood T cells that recognized peptides from gp110 and HLA-Dw4 encompassing the QKRAA determinant.