SV40 Viral Vectors for Cell Immortalization

SV40 T antigen has been shown to be the most simple and reliable agent for the transfromation of many different cell types in culture. The mechanism of SV40 T antigen in cell immortalization is well studied. For the most part, viral genes achieve immortalization by inactivating the tumor suppressor genes (p53, Rb and others) that can induce a replicative senescent state in cells. Recent studies have also shown that SV40 T antigen can induce Telomerase activity in the infected cells.