Role of the S4 gene in the establishment of persistent reovirus infection in L cells.

We have studied the viral genes playing a role in persistence of reovirus in L cells. We established persistent infections by coinfecting L cells using wild-type reovirus type 2 and defective reovirus type 3. An analysis of the genomic double-stranded RNA pattern of the virus population selected during persistent infection revealed that the S4 gene was derived from the defective parent in three independently established lines, suggesting that the S4 gene plays an essential role in the establishment of persistent infection. The selection of recombinant viruses containing the S4 gene derived from the defective virus was specific for persistent infection, since it was not selected in lytic infections. Following the establishment of persistent infection, mutations in the S1 gene appeared in two of three cell lines. Thus mutations in the S4 gene play a critical role in the establishment of persistent infection, while mutations in the S1 gene play a role in the maintenance of the persistent infection.