We have studied two types of somatic cell hybrid with regard to expression of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) cycle and its regulation. The first, DIP-1, a hybrid formed between two human lymphoma EBV producers (Daudi and P3HR-1), contained EBV DNA, expressed the virus-determined nuclear antigen (EBNA), andwas a producer of the EBV-associated antigens EA (early antigen) and VCA (viral capsid antigen). The second, DAD, a hybrid series of clones formed between Daudi and a HeLa cell derivative (D98), differed with regard to the expression of EBNA, EA, VCA and the content of EBV DNA. EA was regularly induced in the EBV DNA-containing hybrids following treatment with iododeoxyuridine (IdUrd). This induction was greater in lines spontaneously expressing EA. In two hybrids, DIP-1 and DAD10, VCA and virus DNA synthesis were also induced in the presence of IdUrd, the latter being detected by in situ hybridization with P3HR-1 EBV complementary RNA. Finally, while DIP-1 was superinfectable by the P3HR-1 EBV strain, the DAD series of hybrids were refractory to P3HR-1 superinfection and lacked EBV receptors.