Enhancement of simian virus 40 uptake by permissive, semi-permissive and non-permissive cells.

The uptake of simian virus 40 (SV40) by cells that are both non-permissive for virus replication and resistant to virus infection could be enhanced markedly by infecting the cells in presence of DEAE-dextran. Virus uptake by semi-permissive and permissive cells was also enhanced by DEAE-dextran. Optimum enhancement of virus uptake occurred at 100 microgram of DEAE-dextran per ml and under the conditions employed, the polycation was not toxic to cells. The increased cellular uptake of virus may result from the uptake of virus aggregates formed in the presence of DEAE-dextran.