Production of hemadsorption-negative areas by serums containing Australia antigen.

Exposure of human Wi-38 cells to human serums containing Australia antigen, and presumably serum hepatitis virus, renders the cells refractory to infection by Newcastle disease virus as detected by the hemadsorption-negative plaque test for intrinsic interference. Induction of the Newcastle disease virus refractory state could be passed in cell culture with up to a 1 : 100,000 dilution of material obtained from cells "infected" with serums containing Australia antigen after filtration (0.45-microm pores) and heating to 60 degrees C for 1 hour. Human antiserums to the Australia antigen prevented induction of the Newcastle disease virus refractory state.