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Transformation of rabbit kidney cells by BKV(MM) human papovavirus
Abstract:
Primary rabbit kidney cells were transformed by BKV(MM), a papovavirus isolated from the urine of a child with the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome. The transformed cells contained BK T-antigen, but no antigen that reacted with SV40 U-antiserum. The transformed cells failed to produce tumors in nude mice, and BKV (MM) was not rescued from transformed cells by cell fusion or chemical induction methods. The transformed cells supported the growth of rabbit kidney vacuolating virus (RKV), and could be used to quantitate RKV by plaque formation under an agar overlay.
Insights
BK virus (BKV) transformed rabbit kidney cells, exhibiting T-antigen but not SV40 reactivity. These cells supported rabbit kidney vacuolating virus (RKV) growth, enabling RKV quantification.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Papovaviruses, including BK virus (BKV), are known to infect humans and can cause cellular transformation.
- Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome is a rare genetic disorder affecting the immune system.
- SV40 (Simian vacuolating virus) is a well-characterized papovavirus often used in cell transformation studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the transformation potential of a specific BKV strain (BKV(MM)) isolated from a patient with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome.
- To characterize the biological properties of BKV-transformed rabbit kidney cells.
- To assess the utility of these transformed cells for viral replication studies.
Main Methods:
- Transformation of primary rabbit kidney cells using BKV(MM).
- Detection of viral antigens (BK T-antigen and SV40 U-antigen) using immunochemical methods.
- Tumorigenicity assays in nude mice.
- Viral rescue experiments via cell fusion and chemical induction.
- Assessing the support of rabbit kidney vacuolating virus (RKV) replication and quantification via plaque assays.
Main Results:
- BKV(MM) successfully transformed primary rabbit kidney cells.
- Transformed cells expressed BK T-antigen but lacked detectable SV40 U-antigen.
- The transformed cells did not form tumors in nude mice, and BKV(MM) could not be rescued.
- Transformed cells supported RKV replication and allowed for RKV quantification.
Conclusions:
- BKV(MM) can transform rabbit kidney cells, inducing specific viral antigen expression.
- These transformed cells exhibit distinct biological characteristics, including lack of tumorigenicity and inability to rescue the transforming virus.
- The transformed cells serve as a valuable tool for studying RKV replication and quantification.