Development of cell lines after exposure of chicken embryonic fibroblasts to Herpes simplex virus type 2 at supraoptimal temperature

Chicken embryonic fibroblasts were exposed to Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV 1) and type 2 (HSV 2). Incubation at 40° C for prolonged periods inhibited the production of infectious HSV 2 without preventing most of the cells from degeneration. This procedure, however, resulted in rapid growth of a few cells which survived infection and showed no cytopathic changes and synthesis of infectious virus. Two isolated clones grew into continuous cell lines. Both showed increased resistance to HSV 2 infection but proved susceptible to HSV 1. HSV specific antigens were found in 5-10% of the cells by the indirect immunofluorescent technique. These chicken cell lines presented an opportunity to study the effect of HSV 2 cells under non permissive conditions.