Synthesis of bunyavirus-specific proteins in a continuous cell line (XTC-2) derived from Xenopus laevis

The XTC-2 cell line, derived from Xenopus laevis, supported the replication of representative viruses from each of the four genera in the family Bunyaviridae. Generally, viral titres were higher in XTC-2 cells than in other susceptible cell lines, and for some viruses plaques were detected earlier in XTC-2 cells. The XTC-2 cell line permitted comparative analyses of bunyavirus-specific protein synthesis. The patterns of synthesis of viral proteins, characteristic of each of the genera, were observed with representative viruses. These studies provided biochemical characterization of two Scottish isolates, which support the inclusion of Clo Mor virus in the Nairovirus genus and St Abb's Head (M349) virus in the Uukuvirus genus.