Persistent infections with Sendai virus and Newcastle disease viruses

Persistent infections (Pi) were established in two host-cell systems [Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) and Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK)] with Sendai virus and three strains of NDV, to test the influence of different viruses and host-cell systems. Virus was recovered from the persistently infected cells. An RNA- ts mutant was recovered from a Pi of MDBK cells, but no Pi could be established in MDCK cells with the three strains of NDV. Additionally, the Pi was established exclusively by a virulent strain, NDV-Milano. On the other hand, Sendai virus could establish Pi in MDBK and MDCK cell-systems. Several ts mutants were recovered from "late" passages of Pi, and from an accidental infection, a ts mutant with an altered P polypeptide. Ten other ts mutants were tested, however, the specific ts lesion could not be identified. From three Pi in MDCK cells, host range mutants (ts-f1, ts-f2, and ts-f3) were recovered. One of the mutants (ts-f1) has an altered M (matrix) protein. The host range mutants undergo a productive infection in MDBK and MDCK cells, which are nonpermissive for wild type Sendai virus. The possible significance of the results are discussed.