Transformation of Hamster Kidney Cells by Simian Papovavirus SA12

SA12, a newly recognized SV40-related primate papovavirus, transformed early passage hamster kidney cells. These cells, designated SAHK-1, were characterized by increased saturation density, altered morphology, loss of contact inhibition, increased growth rate, an indefinite life span, reduced serum requirements for growth, an ability to grow in soft agar, and the presence of SA12-specific T-antigen. Infectious virus was not rescued by Sendai virus-induced fusion of SAHK-1 cells with permissive cells. Inoculation of transformed hamster cells into syngeneic hosts produced adenocarcinomas, undifferentiated sarcomas, and mixed tumors containing both elements. SA12 T antibodies were demonstrated in all the tested sera from tumor bearing animals.