Epstein-Barr virus replication within differentiated epithelia requires pRb sequestration of activator E2F transcription factors

We have shown the the retinoblastoma pocket protein, pRb, was required for Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) replication in differentiated epithelium. Genetic ablation of pRb by CRISPR-Cas9 inhibited EBV replication following de novo infection of organotypic raft tissues. Complementation with a panel of pRb mutants rescued EBV replication dependent on pRb binding to E2F transcription factors. Overall our findings suggest that EBV productive replication in differentiated epithelium requires pRb inhibition of activator E2Fs to restrict S-phase progression. Here we provide the raw images and data files as supplemental information that support the conclusion of the accompanying manuscript (Schaal et al. 2024 Journal of Virology).