Comparison of two human papovaviruses with simian virus 40 by structural protein and antigenic analysis

The proteins of simian virus 40 (SV40) and two human papovaviruses, the hemagglutinating BK virus and the non-hemagglutinating DAR virus, were analyzed and compared by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The virions of SV40 and DAR contain seven proteins. By molecular weight analysis the constituent proteins of SV40 and DAR are identical. Approximately 84% of the viral protein has a molceular weight of 45,000. The major protein of BK virus is 3,000 to 5,000 daltons lighter than the major proteins of SV40 and DAR viruses. The five most rapidly migrating proteins of BK virus are indistinguishable by molecular weight analysis from the corresponding proteins of SV40 and DAR viruses. Radial immunodiffusion and immunoelectrophoresis of whole virus gave lines of identity between SV40 and DAR when reacted with SV40 antibody. SV40 antiserum tested against BK virus and BK antiserum tested against SV40 virus showed no reactivity by complement fixation, immunodiffusion, or immunoelectrophoresis.