[Alphavirus reproduction in cultures of transplantable human lymphoblastic cells in acute infection]

The results of investigations of acute infection of continuous human B- and T-cells with typical members of the alphavirus group--Semliki Forest, Sindbis, and Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis viruses, are presented. Virus amplification was shown to pass through the typical phases: eclipse, logarithmic growth, plateau. Infectious virus production per one cell was from 10 to 10,000 PFU in various cultures. Cell infection results in interferon production. Replication of the viruses under study in lymphoblastoid cell cultures is not accompanied by the active cytocidal effect. The regularities determining the sensitivity of lymphoblastoid cells to viruses in general and alphaviruses in particular are discussed. Proceeding from the results of the study of alphavirus replication in human continuous B- and T-cells it is suggested that this system be used as a model for the analysis of antiviral activity of interferon, its inducers, and chemopreparations in special cells. Lymphoblastoid and fibroblast interferon are as active in B-cells and show no antiviral activity in continuous T-cells, as interferon inducer.