| Abstract: | ![]()
Continuous rabbit macrophage-like cell lines were established after in vitro infection of spleen cells with either Simian virus 40, lymphotropic papovavirus or herpesvirus sylvilagus. These cell lines are characterized as morphologically similar to mature macrophages, esterase positive, and have unrearranged immunoglobulin genes. They possess macrophage functionality because they are highly phagocytic and are able to mediate an antibody dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity assay on chicken red blood cells. Northern blot analysis of total cellular RNA with a DQ alpha probe indicates that the cell lines constitutively express message for class II gene products. In addition, cell sorter analysis indicates that two of these lines display class II antigen at the cell surface. |
