EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS NUCLEAR ANTIGEN 1 PROTEIN AND ITS EXPRESSION AND RECOVERY

摘要

A process for expressing and recovering Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1) protein or polypeptide treats cells having a nucleus containing expressed EBNA1 protein or polypeptide to recover the nucleus containing the expressed EBNA1 protein or polypeptide. The nucleus containing the expressed EBNA1 protein or polypeptide is then separated into a liquid fraction containing the expressed EBNA1 protein or polypeptide and a solid fraction containing substantially all DNA from the nucleus. The liquid fraction is separated from the solid fraction, and EBNA1 protein or polypeptide is recovered from the liquid fraction. Also encompassed by the present invention is an EBNA1 protein or polypeptide having substantially no components which generate false positive readings when used to detect Epstein-Barr virus in human serum, the DNA molecule encoding it, and recombinant expression of the protein. The protein is useful in a method for detection of Epstein-Barr virus.