Cyclic expression of antigen and infectious virus in a BHK cell line (0-853) persistently infected with an SSPE strain of measles virus.

Establishment and characteristics of a baby hamster kidney cell line (BHK 0-853) persistently infected with a subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) strain of measles virus (Lec strain) is described. The persistent infection was easily and repeatedly established and no special conditions were required. There was a predictable fluctuation in expression of virus intracellular and membrane antigens which varied from greater than 90% to less than 1% of the cells demonstrating these antigens during the first 6 or 7 passages. Thereafter, fluctuation of antigen and infectious virus expression continued in an unpredictable fashion.