Cell transfection with DNA from simian foamy virus type 1 producing cultures generates equivalent infectious virions

Summary The transfection of canine and murine cells with DNA from simian foamy virus type 1 cell cultures led to the appearance of a cytopathic effect (CPE) similar to that induced by the original SFV1. High reverse transcriptase activity was present in supernatants of transfected cultures. Inoculation of these supernatants into permissive cells induced a syncytial CPE and high RNA-dependent DNA polymerase activity. These two effects were specifically inhibited by immune serum against SFV1. By electron microscopy, inoculated cultures showed the presence of virions homologous to those of SFV1.