DNA blot analysis of the HTLV-I proviral genome in peripheral blood lymphocytes.

Ten micrograms cellular DNA was digested with PstI and subjected to standard Southern blot analysis. The filter was hybridized with a total HTLV-I probe (A) and then with an LTR probe (B). Arrowheads show the viral-cellular junction bands with LTR probe, in addition to 3 internal bands (2.5 kb, 1.8 kb, 1.2 kb). Schematic illustration of the HTLV-I genome, restriction map, and probes are shown on the upper column. (↓)PstI site. Lane 1: Typical patient with ATL showing 3 major internal bands (2.5 kb, 1.8 kb, 1.2 kb) with additional 2 viral-cellular junction bands (arrowheads). Lanes 2-5: Patients with ATL with deletion of internal bands, suggesting wide deletion in the HTLV-I virus (refer to the restriction map above).