Influence of Various Viruses on the Heterotransplantability of Human Cells

A variety of viruses were examined for their ability to modify the survival of human diploid cells after heterotransplantation into hamster cheek pouches. Cells infected with any adenovirus used (#1, 2, 3, 7, 12, and 16), or vaccinia, REO-2 viruses, or cytomegalovirus survived longer than uninfected cells. However, the degree of autonomy upon transplantation was not equal to cells of known malignant origin. The possible role of certain viruses in helping to establish autonomy of cells is discussed. Some viruses examined [varicella, simian virus 40 (SV40), measles, parainfluenza-3, and rubella] did not influence the survival of cells after heterotransplantation under the conditions of this experiment.