Susceptibility of Human Lymphoblasts (RPMI 7466) to Viral Infections in Vitro

Summary

Comparative viral susceptibility tests using human diploid lung fibroblasts (Led-130) and human lymphoblasts (RPMI 7466) have been made. Lymphoblasts 7466 were found resistant to the cytopathic effect of most viruses tested, but were capable of supporting persistent viral infections with many of these. Exceptions were herpes simplex and Coxsackie type A-15 viruses which were highly cytopathic for lymphoblasts 7466; viral replication in these instances was accompanied by total destruction of the culture. Concomitant virus replication and cell multiplication occurred in lymphoblasts 7466 persistently infected with poliovirus type 1 during 7 months of continuous culture. No recognizable cell destruction, reduction in growth rate, or interference to infection with two other viruses could be measured in these cultures. The mechanisms which operate to control and maintain persistent virus infections in cultures of human lymphoblasts has been studied and discussed.