Surface antigens on hamster cells transformed by SV40, BK virus and JC virus.

We studied the surface antigens on hamster cells transformed by SV40, BK and JC viruses using a complement-dependent cytotoxicity test. Antiserum was obtained from guinea pigs immunized with an SV40-transformed hamster cell line, and used after appropriate absorption with a range of cell types. The cell lines transformed by these viruses were all found to possess the following surface antigens: 1) a unique set of organ antigens, 2) fetal antigen(s), and 3) an antigen tentatively named primate polyoma virus-transformed hamster cell antigen (PPH antigen-1). These antigens were not detected on other hamster cell lines, including those transformed by mouse polyoma-, adeno-, herpes-, or retro-viruses Neither could they be detected on mouse, rat or human cells transformed by SV40 or BK viruses. They were, thus, probably host-derived antigens specifically depressed or unmasked by the primate polyoma viruses. In addition, all hamster cell lines tested, including BHK21, carried an antigen(s) named hamster cell line antigen, which could not be detected on surfaces of normal cells, in primary or secondary culture.