Enhanced replication of herpes simplex virus type 1 in BHK-21 cells transformed by hamster sarcoma virus

Untransformed and hamster sarcoma virus-transformed BHK-21 cells were compared for their ability to support productive infection with herpes simplex virus type 1. In both types of cells, infection with herpes simplex virus resulted in a lytic, productive cycle. However, inhibition of host cell RNA and DNA synthesis, transcription and replication of viral DNA, and production of infectious virus began earlier and reached higher levels in transformed cells.