Susceptibility of continuous lines of monkey kidney cells to influenza and parainfluenza viruses in the presence of trypsin

LLC-MK2, GMK AH-1, BSC-1, and Vero cells were compared in titrations of recent isolates and laboratory strains of influenza A and B and parainfluenza types 1, 2, and 3 viruses. About the same titres, as determined by haemadsorption in cell cultures, were obtained in LLC-MK2, GMK AH-1, and BSC-1 cells when trypsin had been added to the medium, whereas the Vero cells were less sensitive to the influenza virus strains tested. Virus titres were usually low in the absence of trypsin. A laboratory strain of parainfluenza 2 virus reached about the same titres in medium without as in medium with trypsin, possibly owing to prior adaptation by passages in Vero cells. Comparative titrations of influenza A, and parainfluenza 1 and 3 viruses suggested the same susceptibility of LLC-MK2 cells with trypsin as of primary monkey kidney cells. Re-isolation experiments from 38 clinical specimens showed LLC-MK2 cells to be as efficient as primary monkey kidney cells for isolation of influenza and parainfluenza viruses, whereas the susceptibility of the other cell lines to clinical material has not yet been tested on a larger scale. It is concluded that a continuous line of monkey kidney cell culture may be acceptable as an alternative to primary monkey kidney cells for the isolation of influenza and parainfluenza viruses from patients.     

Comparative sensitivity of various cell culture systems for isolation of viruses from wastewater and fecal samples.

In efforts to define the most sensitive cell culture systems for recovery of viruses from wastewaters, 181 samples were inoculated in parallel into tube cultures of various cell types and were plaqued in bottle and petri dish cultures of three types of monkey kidney cells. Polioviruses were recovered most frequently in the RD line of human rhabdomyosarcoma cells, group A coxsackieviruses in RD and human fetal diploid kidney (HFDK) cells, group B coxsackieviruses in the BGM line of African green monkey kidney cells, echoviruses in RD and primary rhesus monkey kidney (RhMK) cells, and reoviruses in RhMK cells. BGM cells were unsatisfactory for recovery of viruses other than polioviruses and group B coxsackieviruses, and a line of fetal rhesus monkey kidney (MFK) was not a satisfactory substitute for primary RhMK. With RhMK cells, comparable numbers of virus isolations were made in tube cultures and in plaque assays conducted in bottle cultures, but with BGM and MFK cells, fewer isolations were made by plaquing than by inoculation of tube cultures. In comparative plaque assays on fecal samples under three different overlays in bottle and plate cultures of RhMK, BGM, and MFK cells, it was found that plaquing in the most sensitive system, RhMK, was less efficient for virus recovery than was inoculation of tube cultures of RhMK or HFDK cells. Overall, plaque assays performed in petri dishes in a CO(2) incubator yielded fewer virus isolates than did parallel plaque assays performed in closed bottle cultures. Other limitations of plaque assays for recovery of human enteric viruses are discussed.     

Comparative Sensitivity of Various Cell Culture Systems for Isolation of Viruses from Wastewater and Fecal Samples

In efforts to define the most sensitive cell culture systems for recovery of viruses from wastewaters, 181 samples were inoculated in parallel into tube cultures of various cell types and were plaqued in bottle and petri dish cultures of three types of monkey kidney cells. Polioviruses were recovered most frequently in the RD line of human rhabdomyosarcoma cells, group A coxsackieviruses in RD and human fetal diploid kidney (HFDK) cells, group B coxsackieviruses in the BGM line of African green monkey kidney cells, echoviruses in RD and primary rhesus monkey kidney (RhMK) cells, and reoviruses in RhMK cells. BGM cells were unsatisfactory for recovery of viruses other than polioviruses and group B coxsackieviruses, and a line of fetal rhesus monkey kidney (MFK) was not a satisfactory substitute for primary RhMK. With RhMK cells, comparable numbers of virus isolations were made in tube cultures and in plaque assays conducted in bottle cultures, but with BGM and MFK cells, fewer isolations were made by plaquing than by inoculation of tube cultures. In comparative plaque assays on fecal samples under three different overlays in bottle and plate cultures of RhMK, BGM, and MFK cells, it was found that plaquing in the most sensitive system, RhMK, was less efficient for virus recovery than was inoculation of tube cultures of RhMK or HFDK cells. Overall, plaque assays performed in petri dishes in a CO₂ incubator yielded fewer virus isolates than did parallel plaque assays performed in closed bottle cultures. Other limitations of plaque assays for recovery of human enteric viruses are discussed.     

Susceptibility of cell lines of primate and nonprimate origin to certain human viruses

A comparative study was made of the susceptibility of 11 cell lines of human and animal origin, the WI-38 cell strain and fresh cultures of human thyroid, monkey kidney and hamster embryo tissues to certain human viruses. The animal cell lines were derived from monkey, rabbit, mouse, pig and calf tissues. The viruses used were strains of influenza A₂ and B viruses, parainfluenza viruses types 1, 2 and 3, RS virus, adenoviruses types 3, 4 and 21, poliovirus type 1 and Coxsackie A type 21 and Coxsackie B type 3 viruses. Cell lines derived from nonprimate tissues were generally less susceptible than cell cultures of human and simian origin. The combined use of fresh cultures of human thyroid and monkey kidney tissues and of a human cell line seems to provide a satisfactory indicator system for the viruses employed in this study.     

Use of monoclonal antibody blends in the identification of enteroviral aseptic meningitis

Monoclonal antibody pools directed against group B coxsackievirus and echovirus antigens (Chemicon, Temecula, California) were evaluated as tools in the identification of enteroviral aseptic meningitis. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serial dilutions of stock coxsackievirus were inoculated into tube and shell vial Rhesus monkey kidney (RhMk) cell cultures. Positive cellular fluorescence was observed only in conjunction with cytopathic effect (CPE). The time from inoculation to CPE was similar with both tube and shell vial cultures.Direct CSF testing failed to reliably identify positive specimens as fluorescent debris, and a lack of available cells hindered results.Viral components of each antibody blend demonstrated positive cellular fluorescence when appropriately stained. False-positive fluorescence was not observed when cells, infected with other CSF viruses, were stained with these reagents.The findings suggest a role for these reagents (available both as blends and type-specific reagents) in the culture confirmation and identification of many common enteroviral serotypes associated with aseptic meningitis.     

Immunofluorescence of green monkey kidney cells infected with adenovirus 12 and with adenovirus 12 plus simian virus 40

Malmgren, Richard A. (National Cancer Institute; Bethesda, Md.), Alan S. Rabson, Paula G. Carney, and Frances J. Paul. Immunofluorescence of green monkey kidney cells infected with adenovirus 12 and with adenovirus 12 plus simian virus 40. J. Bacteriol. 91:262-265. 1966.-Immunofluorescence studies of the viral antigens and tumor (T) antigens of adenovirus 12 and simian virus 40 (SV40) in green monkey kidney (GMK) cells infected with adenovirus 12 alone or in combination with the SV40 virus showed that the adenovirus 12 viral antigen was produced in detectable amounts only in the cells infected with both viruses. The adenovirus 12 T antigen, on the other hand, was formed in the GMK cells infected with the adenovirus 12 only. This antigen was formed as early as 18 hr after viral infection, and persisted for at least 48 hr after virus infection. There was a correlation between the appearance of the immunofluorescent T antigen in the nucleus and the electron microscope appearance of "nuclear stippling," which developed in the nuclei of GMK cells after infection with adenovirus 12 only, as well as after infection with both viruses.     

Hybrids of human and monkey adenoviruses (adeno-adeno hybrids) that can reproduce in monkey cells: biological and molecular genetic peculiarities

A highly oncogenic monkey adenovirus SA7(C8) facilitates the reproduction of human adenovirus type 2 (Ad2) in monkey cells. Upon mixed infection of monkey cells with both viruses, these viruses recombine producing defective adeno-adeno hybrids Ad2C8 serologically identical to Ad2 and capable of assisting Ad2 to reproduce in monkey cells. Ad2C8 and Ad2 form an intercomplementary pair inseparable in monkey cells. Unlike oncogenic SA7(C8), Ad2C8 is a nononcogenic virus for hamsters but is able to induce tumor antigens of this virus (T and TSTA). Molecular genetic analysis of 68 clones of adeno-adeno hybrids revealed that the left part of their genome consists of Ad2 DNA, and the right part contains no less than 40% of the viral SA7(C8) genome where E2A, E3, and E4 genes are located. Apparently, the products of these genes contribute to the composition of adenoviral tumor antigens, while the E4 gene is involved in complementation of monkey and human adenoviruses and makes a contribution to host range determination of these viruses.     

Relative sensitivity of various cell cultures to the thermostable exotoxin of B. thuringiensis]

The "thermostable" B. thuringiensis exotoxin is active on cell cultures of Mammals "in vitro", except on the KB strain from a human tumor. The primary cultures are the most sensitive: first, with monkey kidney cells, the growth is inhibited by 0.1 mg of toxin per ml; next, the young rabbit kidney cells react to 0.25 mg of toxin per ml. The established lines of cells come last: human diploid cells (Lyon 4) and heteroploid cells (BHK21C13), with the same active dose of 1 mg of toxin per ml. No protection is obtained by adding ATP to monkey kidney cells at the same time as the exotoxin.     

Hybrids of Human and Monkey Adenoviruses (Adeno-Adeno Hybrids) That Can Reproduce in Monkey Cells: Biological and Molecular Genetic Peculiarities

A highly oncogenic monkey adenovirus SA7(C8) facilitates the reproduction of human adenovirus type 2 (Ad2) in monkey cells. Upon mixed infection of monkey cells with both viruses, these viruses recombine producing defective adeno-adeno hybrids Ad2C8 serologically identical to Ad2 and capable of assisting Ad2 to reproduce in monkey cells. Ad2C8 and Ad2 form an intercomplementary pair inseparable in monkey cells. Unlike oncogenic SA7(C8), Ad2C8 is a nononcogenic virus for hamsters but is able to induce tumor antigens of this virus (T and TSTA). Molecular genetic analysis of 68 clones of adeno-adeno hybrids revealed that the left part of their genome consists of Ad2 DNA, and the right part contains no less than 40% of the viral SA7(C8) genome where E2A, E3, and E4 genes are located. Apparently, the products of these genes contribute to the composition of adenoviral tumor antigens, while the E4 gene is involved in complementation of monkey and human adenoviruses and makes a contribution to host range determination of these viruses.     

Redistribution of Surface Antigens– a General Property of Animal Cells?

MEMBRANE antigens of animal cells are reported to be localized either in discontinuous discrete areas (H-2^1,2, HL-A³, organ⁴ and immunoglobulin (Ig)^5–9 or continuously (species⁴ and blood group^9,10). These results have been obtained by immunofluorescence (IFL) and electron microscopy performed by double layer principles except in the case of Ig where direct IFL technique has been used. The influence on the localization pattern of marker molecules by variables such as Ig concentration of the reagents used, effects of interactions between Ig molecules in the double layer and temperature dependence of the reaction steps have not been investigated. Redistribution of lymphocyte surface Ig molecules induced by anti-Ig antibody has been described and this was observed to be temperature dependent occurring at 20° C but not at 0° C^11,12. Here I discuss the distribution and localization of different surface antigens (blood group substance A and B, species, H-2 and organ) on several cell types (monkey kidney, human lymphoid cells, HeLa, human thyroid cells, RK13 and L-cells of C3H/K) as recorded by direct and indirect IFL technique. I show that the temperature and Ig concentration used exert an influence on the distribution of these antigens. The cells used in IFL tests were cultured and harvested as described before¹⁰. IFL staining was performed according to Möller1³. The stained cells were examined with a Leitz ‘Orthoplan’ ultraviolet microscope. Direct IFL technique was applied to two test systems. A FITC-conjugated rabbit antiserum to blood group substance A was used on monkey (Macaca fascicularis) kidney cells known to be A-positive¹⁰ and a FITC-conjugated horse anti-human thymocyte globulin were tested on a human lymphoid cell line Robinson (obtained from Dr Moore, Buffalo). In both test systems the staining pattern was completely confluent at all temperatures used: 4° C, 20° C and 37° C. The staining pattern was not related to antibody concentration.     

Variants of Defective Simian Papovavirus 40 (PARA) Characterized by Cytoplasmic Localization of Simian Papovavirus 40 Tumor Antigen

Three isolates of PARA (particle aiding replication of adenovirus)-adenovirus 7 out of a total of 112 clonal progeny derived by two successive plaque purifications in green monkey kidney cells (GMK) were found to induce the synthesis of simian papovavirus40 (SV 40) tumor (T) antigen in the cytoplasm of infected cells. The variant viruses induced plaque formation in human embryonic kidney cells which followed one-hit kinetics. In GMK cells, plaque formation followed two-hit kinetics which converted to first-order kinetics in the presence of additional helper adenovirus type 7. Analysis of plaque progeny from human cells showed that the progeny could replicate only in human cells, whereas progeny from monkey cells could multiply in both human and monkey cells. Heterologous human adenoviruses were able to enhance plaque formation by the variant viruses in monkey kidney cells. Neutralization tests indicated that both components of the populations had a type 7 adenovirus capsid. All three viruses were capable of inducing SV40 transplantation immunity in weanling hamsters. These results indicate the three variants are PARA-adenovirus 7 populations. Response of the induction of the synthesis of the cytoplasmic antigen to metabolic inhibitors was the same as for the synthesis of the nuclear SV40 T antigen. Different pools of sera which reacted with the intranuclear SV40 T antigen also detected the cytoplasmic antigen induced by the variant viruses. An adsorption experiment with cells containing either nuclear or cytoplasmic T antigen to remove tumor antibody from hamster sera also indicated that it is probably SV40 T antigen which is responsible for the cytoplasmic reaction. The species of the host cell-human, simian, or rabbit-appeared to play no role in the altered localization of this antigen. It is postulated that these PARA variants are further defective in some virus-mediated transport mechanism which shifts the T antigen from the cytoplasm to the nucleus.     

Studies of Nondefective Adenovirus 2-Simian Virus 40 Hybrid Viruses V. Isolation of Additional Hybrids Which Differ in Their Simian Virus 40-Specific Biological Properties

Four new nondefective adenovirus 2 (Ad2)-simian virus 40 (SV40) hybrid viruses have been isolated. Although these viruses (designated Ad2(+)ND(2), Ad2(+)ND(3), Ad2(+)ND(4), and Ad2(+)ND(5)) were clonal derivatives of the same Ad2-SV40 hybrid population, they differ significantly from each other and from the previously isolated nondefective hybrid, Ad2(+)ND(1), in their biological properties or in the amount of SV40-specific RNA induced during lytic infection.Like Ad2(+)ND(1), Ad2(+)ND(2), and Ad2(+)ND(4) pass serially in both human embryonic kidney (HEK) and primary African green monkey kidney cells. In contrast, Ad2(+)ND(3) and Ad2(+)ND(5) pass serially only in HEK cells. Ad2(+)ND(2) is like Ad2(+)ND(1) in that it induces the SV40 U antigen, but not SV40 T antigen; however, in contrast to the perinuclear SV40 antigen induced by Ad2(+)ND(1), the SV40 antigen induced by Ad2(+)ND(2) is located peripherally in the cytoplasm as well as in the perinuclear region of infected cells. Ad2(+)ND(4) induces both the SV40 T and U antigens. Ad2(+)ND(3) and Ad2(+)ND(5) do not induce serologically detectable SV40 antigens and are distinguished from each other on the basis of the relative quantities of SV40-specific RNA which they induce. The induction of different SV40-specific functions suggests the incorporation of different segments of SV40 DNA within the genomes of the respective hybrid viruses.     

Hemagglutinating Activity of Enteroviruses Recovered in Two Primary Cell Lines and a Stable Cell Line

A microhemagglutination technique was used to detect hemagglutinating properties of enteroviruses recovered in two primary cell lines, monkey kidney (MK) and human amnion (HAm), and in a continuous cell line, human embryonic lung (HEL). During a 3-year period, 1,528 isolations of enteroviruses were tested for hemagglutinating activity and hemagglutination inhibition response; 96.3% of the viruses were also identified by virus neutralization tests. Enteroviruses recovered in HEL were far less likely to develop hemagglutinins than viruses isolated in MK or HAm. Of the enteroviruses known to agglutinate human type O cells, 77.8% of the primary viral isolates from MK, 62.1% of the isolates from HAm, and 20.3% of the isolates from HEL exhibited this property. An additional 8.1% of the isolations obtained in HEL hemagglutinated human cells after a single passage in MK. The microhemagglutination technique using microtiter equipment was simple to perform, saved time and valuable typing sera, and helped to obtain identifications rapidly.     

Interaction of a simian papovavirus and adenoviruses. I. Induction of adenovirus tumor antigen during abortive infection of simian cells

Feldman, Lawrence A. (Baylor University College of Medicine, Houston, Tex.), Janet S. Butel, and Fred Rapp. Interaction of a simian papovavirus and adenoviruses. I. Induction of adenovirus tumor antigen during abortive infection of simian cells. J. Bacteriol. 91:813-818. 1966.-Adenovirus types 2, 7, and 12 undergo an abortive growth cycle in green monkey kidney cells; they induce the formation of adenovirus tumor antigen, but synthesis of adeno capsid antigen and infectious adenovirus was observed only when cultures were concomitantly infected with a simian papovavirus (SV40). Several other viruses, including herpes simplex and measles which replicate in monkey cells, and rabbit papilloma and human wart papovaviruses which do not, failed to stimulate adenovirus replication in the monkey cells. Adenovirus tumor antigen was detected 8 to 10 hr postinfection by immunofluorescent techniques. The antigen induced by adenovirus types 2 and 7 appeared as intranuclear masses; adenovirus type 12 tumor antigen also appeared as cytoplasmic and nuclear flecks. Sera from hamsters bearing tumors induced by adenovirus type 12 cross-reacted with tumor antigens induced by types 2 and 7 but not with antigens induced by SV40.     

Establishment of canine RNA polymerase I-driven reverse genetics for influenza A virus: its application for H5N1 vaccine production

In the event of a new influenza pandemic, vaccines whose antigenicities match those of circulating strains must be rapidly produced. Here, we established an alternative reverse genetics system for influenza virus using the canine polymerase I (PolI) promoter sequence that works efficiently in the Madin-Darby canine kidney cell line, a cell line approved for human vaccine production. Using this system, we were able to generate H5N1 vaccine seed viruses more efficiently than can be achieved with the current system that uses the human PolI promoter in African green monkey Vero cells, thus improving pandemic vaccine production.     

Studies on Parainfluenza Virus Infections among Infants and Children in Sendai

A cell line sensitive enough for the recovery of all parainfluenza viruses and free of simian virus contamination frequently occurring in monkey kidney cells was sought. The VERO cell obtained from African monkey kidney was found suitable for the initial isolation of types 1, 2 and 3 parainfluenza viruses, although the cells did not always allow the successive transfer. Mixed cultures of VERO and HEp-2 cells were also useful in the recovery of various respiratory viruses including parainfluenza viruses. The characteristics of hemagglutinins of parainfluenza viruses were examined, and type 2 parainfluenza and SV5 viruses agglutinated both guinea pig and green monkey erythrocytes at 36 C, whereas types 1 and 3 parainfluenza viruses agglutinated only guinea pig erythrocytes. Thus parainfluenza viruses were divided into two groups by the presence or absence of hemagglutinins for green monkey erythrocytes. Identification of these parainfluenza isolates, employing HI microtechnique was simple and reliable, even with the first passage harvest, when guinea pig erythrocytes were used and the test read at 36 C. Specific standard antisera for these parainfluenza viruses were prepared by immunizing chickens intravenously and bleeding within a short period. These type-specific antisera were useful for the identification of parainfluenza isolates by HI test.     

Characterization of tau antigens isolated from uninfected and simian virus 40-infected monkey cells and papovavirus-transformed cells.

Tau antigens (also known as cellular or nonviral tumor antigens) were detected in uninfected and simian virus 40-infected monkey cells after immunoprecipitation with serum from hamsters bearing simian virus 40-induced tumours (anti-T serum). These two proteins (56,000 daltons) were digested to similarly sized peptides with various amounts of Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease. The Tau antigen isolated from infected monkey cells was closely related but was not identical to the corresponding protein from human cells transformed by simian virus 40, as determined by two-dimensional mapping of their methionine-labeled tryptic peptides. Hamster cells transformed by various primate papovaviruses (simian virus 40, BK virus, and JC virus) synthesized indistinguishable Tau antigens, as determined by two-dimensional peptide mapping. When tested by the same procedure, these proteins and the ones made in monkey and human cells were found to be related to the Tau antigens isolated from simian virus 40-transformed mouse and rat cells. Based on these results, an "evolutionary tree" was constructed to show the relationship among the methionine-containing tryptic peptides of all of these proteins.     

Differences in Receptor Specificity between the Influenza Viruses of Duck,Chicken, and Human

The affinity of the duck, chicken, and human influenza viruses to the host cell sialosides was determined, and considerable distinctions between duck and chicken viruses were found. Duck viruses bind to a wide range of sialosides, including the short-stem gangliosides. Most of the chicken viruses, like human ones, lose the ability to bind these gangliosides, which strictly correlates with the appearance of carbohydrate at position 158–160. The affinity of the chicken viruses to sialoglycoconjugates of chicken intestine as well as chicken, monkey, and human respiratory epithelial cells exceeds that of the duck viruses. The human influenza viruses have high affinity to the same cells but do not bind at all to the duck epithelial cell. This testifies to the absence of 6"-sialylgalactose residues from the duck cells, in contrast to chicken and monkey cells. The alteration of the receptor specificity of chicken viruses in comparison with duck ones results in the similarity of the patterns of accessible cells for chicken and human influenza viruses. This may be the cause of the appearance of the line of H9N2 viruses from Hong Kong live bird markets with receptor specificity similar to that of H3N2 human viruses, and of the ability of H5N1 and H9N2 chicken influenza viruses to infect humans.     

The level of CD4 expression limits infection of primary rhesus monkey macrophages by a T-tropic simian immunodeficiency virus and macrophagetropic human immunodeficiency viruses

The entry of primate immunodeficiency viruses into cells is dependent on the interaction of the viral envelope glycoproteins with receptors, CD4, and specific members of the chemokine receptor family. Although in many cases the tropism of these viruses is explained by the qualitative pattern of coreceptor expression, several instances have been observed where the expression of a coreceptor on the cell surface is not sufficient to allow infection by a virus that successfully utilizes the coreceptor in a different context. For example, both the T-tropic simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) SIVmac239 and the macrophagetropic (M-tropic) SIVmac316 can utilize CD4 and CCR5 as coreceptors, and both viruses can infect primary T lymphocytes, yet only SIVmac316 can efficiently infect CCR5-expressing primary macrophages from rhesus monkeys. Likewise, M-tropic strains of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) do not infect primary rhesus monkey macrophages efficiently. Here we show that the basis of this restriction is the low level of CD4 on the surface of these cells. Overexpression of human or rhesus monkey CD4 in primary rhesus monkey macrophages allowed infection by both T-tropic and M-tropic SIV and by primary M-tropic HIV-1. By contrast, CCR5 overexpression did not specifically compensate for the inefficient infection of primary monkey macrophages by T-tropic SIV or M-tropic HIV-1. Apparently, the limited ability of these viruses to utilize a low density of CD4 for target cell entry accounts for the restriction of these viruses in primary rhesus monkey macrophages.