Inhibition of murine sarcoma virus induced transformation by adenovirus structural proteins

The purified fibre and hexon of adenovirus 12 inhibit the transformation in tissue culture of murine sarcoma virus (msv-m) by as much as 80% and 70%, respectively, when they are added to cells 8 to 2o h before MSV-M infection. During a 12 h period, only about 6 to 8% of added radiolabelled viral proteins become associated with cells (or I-O mug protein bound/10(5) cells). No inhibition occurs when the proteins are added simultaneously with MSV-M or 90 min or 4 h after MSV-M. There is also a direct correlation between the extent of focus inhibition and the concentrations of viral proteins used. Concentrations of viral proteins used to inhibit cell transformation do not affect cell growth, but do reduce cell macromolecular synthesis.