| abstract |
A recombinant vector and a eukaryotic host transformed thereby are disclosed. In one embodiment, there is a eukaryotic host that has a recombinant plasmid comprising a plasmid backbone, a foreign eukaryotic gene component, and a first gene segment from a lymphotrophic herpes virus. There is also provided in the host a second gene segment from a lymphotrophic herpes virus. The first and second gene segments interact to assist the plasmid in maintaining itself as a plasmid when inserted into a eukaryotic host, and permit stable replication of the host. The preferred virus is the Epstein-Barr virus, and the two preferred viral segments are the EBV origin of replication and the segment coding for EBNA protein. |