Activation of Epstein-Barr virus promoters by a growth-factor and a glucocorticoid

Abstract

Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) and a glucocorticosteroid, Dexamethasone (DXM), both cause transcriptional induction of Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) early antigens (EA) in Daudi lymphoma cells. The viral induction occurs through the viral promoter DR overlapping an origin of replication which is active during the lytic cycle. Each hormone requires specific regions on the DR promoter. Since these regions also mediate the action of two viral transcription factors, EBI and R, it may be emphasized that EBI and/or R are involved in the EA induction process by TGF‐β and by DXM.