Demonstration of New Surface Antigens in Cells Transformed by Papovavirus SV40 by Cytotoxic Tests.

Abstract

Summary Immunization of rabbits with cells transformed by papovavirus SV40 resulted in the production of cytotoxic antibodies specific for the homologous cells. Following absorption with normal hamster embryo fibroblasts, these sera failed to react with normal hamster cells, with BHK21 hamster cells, or with hamster cells transformed by adenovirus 7. Absorption with the homologous SV40 transformed cells removed all activity. The reaction observed was dependent on complement. The results suggest the presence of new specific antigens at the surface of cells transformed by SV40 and support the previous localization of surface antigens by the indirect immunofluorescent method. ADDENDUM. Since this work was completed, we have observed that absorption of the rabbit antisera with sheep erythrocytes decreases, but does not abolish, the cytotoxic reaction against the H-50 cells.