Transformation of rabbit kidney cells by bkv(mm) human papovavirus

Abstract

Primary rabbit kidney cells were transformed by BKV(MM), a papovavirus isolated from the urine of a child with the Wiskott‐Aldrich syndrome. The transformed cells contained BK T‐antigen, but no antigen that reacted with SV40 U‐antiserum. The transformed cells failed to produce tumors in nude mice, and BKV (MM) was not rescued from transformed cells by cell fusion or chemical induction methods. The transformed cells supported the growth of rabbit kidney vacuolating virus (RKV), and could be used to quantitate RKV by plaque formation under an agar overlay.