Charge and pH effect on the early events of Epstein-Barr virus fusion with lymphoblastoid cells (Raji)

Fusion of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) with Raji cells was measured after exposure of the virus to neutral or low pH, enzymatic modification of the viral spike glycoproteins, or chemical modification of the target membrane. The relief of octadecylrhodamine (R18) fluorescence self-quenching was used to monitor fusion. Fusion of EBV with Raji cells at pH 5.9 was significantly enhanced compared to that at neutral pH. Treatment of Raji cells with agents known to modify the surface net charge (trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid) totally prevented fusion at a neutral pH. Desialylation of EBV significantly reduced the extent of fusion with Raji cells. Our results demonstrate that EBV is rapidly internalized and then fuses with lymphoblastoid cells in the endocytic vesicles.