Establishment and Characterization of a Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (Measles) Virus Persistent Infection in BGM Cells

Abstract

Infection of [African green monkey kidney] BGM cells with the Halle isolate of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) gave rise to a persistent infection (BGM/Halle), but infection of another African green monkey kidney cell line (Vero) under identical conditions led to a lytic infection. The BGM/Halle cells multiplied more slowly than the non-infected cells (even when the medium was changed daily). Under such conditions 107-108 p.f.u.[plaque forming units]/ml per 24 h of measles virus was released into the medium. The persistent infection was not due to the accumulation of thermosensitive mutants and the virus was not modified as measured by several biological parameters. The virus released from BGM/Halle cells acquired an ability to give rise to a persistent infection in Vero cells. The quantity of virus released from persistently infected Vero cells was very low (102-103 p.f.u./ml). A host-cell factor plays a role in the restriction of virus replication.