Comparison of replication of adenovirus type 2 and type 4 in human lymphocyte cultures

Abstract

Adenovirus type 2 replicated in purified lymphocyte cultures from human adenoid specimens. Phytohemagglutinin stimulation enhanced the replication of virus. Viral titers of 103-104 50% tissue culture infective doses/ml were reached after 4-8 days. Only 1-3/106 cells produced virus. There was no evidence that lymphocyte cultures could support the replication of adenovirus type 4. The life span of cultures infected with type 2 or 4 was not reduced. The possibility that lymphocytes infected with virus play a role in initiating natural, persisting adenovirus infections of human adenoids is discussed.