Effect of actinomycin D on the expression of herpes simplex virus-common surface antigen in cells transformed by herpes simplex virus type 2

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Abstract
Using rabbit antiserum hyperimmune to herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1, the expression of HSV-common surface antigen(s) was studied by indirect immunofluorescence tests in cells transformed by HSV type 2 and in derived tumor cells. Antiserum to HSV type 1 reacted specifically with surface antigen present on the plasma membrane of HSV type 2-infected and HSV type 2-transformed hamster cells. The expression of this antigen was enhanced in the absence of active protein synthesis in transformed cells, but not in tumor cells, after culture for 3-5 h at 37.degree. C. This enhancement of expression was maintained for 20 h in the presence of actinomycin D, but this prolonged expression required active protein synthesis. The enhancing effect observed in the presence of actinomycin D continued for some time after removal of the drug, e.g., for 20 h after 5 h of treatment with 2 .mu.g/ml of actinomycin D/ml. Actinomycin D had no detectable effect on antigen expression in tumor cells. The protease inhibitor antipain inhibited the actinomycin D-enhanced expression without causing significant cell damage but did not modify the transient enhanced expression of antigen when cells were seeded in the absence of actinomycin D. In transformed cells antigen expression can be enhanced in at least 2 ways.