SV40s

SV40, or Simian Virus 40, is a small, double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the polyomavirus family. It was first discovered in 1960 in rhesus monkey kidney cell cultures, which were being used for polio vaccine production. The virus is widespread among monkeys and has been found in various monkey species, hence its name.

SV40 is known for its ability to infect a range of cell types, although it typically causes productive infection only in certain primate cells. In humans, it is generally considered a non-pathogenic virus. However, SV40 has been detected in some human tumors, leading to research into its potential oncogenic role. The virus possesses genes that can interfere with host cell growth regulation, and in experimental settings, it has been shown to induce tumors in laboratory animals.

The discovery of SV40 in polio vaccines caused significant public concern at the time, as it was inadvertently administered to millions of people before its presence was identified and subsequent vaccines were made SV40-free. Despite early anxieties, extensive epidemiological studies have not established a causal link between SV40 exposure from contaminated vaccines and cancer in humans. Research continues to explore the complex interactions between SV40 and host cells, particularly in the context of cancer biology.