Modification of Cɛ mRNA Expression by EBV-Encoded Latent Membrane Protein 1

To evaluate the effect of expression of latent membrane protein (LMP) 1 encoded by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) on Cepsilon mRNA expression, mRNA levels were examined by RT-PCR or Northern blot analysis upon transient transfection of LMP1 in the splenocytes derived from Brown-Norway rats with or without immunization with 2,4-dinitrophenyl-conjugated Ascaris suum antigen. Splenocytes were transfected with LMP1 expression vector, pSG5-LMP1, using lipofection method. Cepsilon mRNA levels were considerably increased by transfection with pSG5-LMP1 in the splenocytes derived from the nonimmunized rats; however, Cepsilon mRNA levels were decreased in the splenocytes derived from the immunized rats. Cepsilon mRNA expression in IgE-producing cells are modulated by LMP1, which might depend on the differentiation status of B cells upon exposure to allergen.