Transformation by simian virus 40 of spleen cells from a hyperimmune rabbit: evidence for synthesis of immunoglobulin by the transformed cells.

Spleen cells derived from a rabbit hyperimmunized with a Type III pneumococcal vaccine were exposed to simian virus 40 in vitro. After 114 days, transformed cells growing on the surface of one culture dish were observed and a cell line was established. The transformed cells had a morphology characteristic of cells transformed by simian virus 40, contained the simian virus 40-specific T antigen, and yielded infectious simian virus 40 upon cultivation with indicator cells in the presence of Sendai fusion factor. Transformed cells incorporated labeled amino acid into protein with the antigenic properties of rabbit immunoglobulin G.