Vectors Based on Epstein-Barr Virus

Vectors containing elements of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) genome are primarily used to maintain cloned DNA inserts as plasmids in mammalian cells. In addition, EBV-based vectors are proving to be valuable tools in elucidating details of EBV biology that have long eluded students of the virus. In this chapter, we will review those characteristics of EBV and its life cycle that have been used in vector construction and will describe methods that are particularly applicable to the use of EBV-based vectors.