Establishing Renal Proximal Tubule Epithelial-Derived Cell Lines Expressing Human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase for Studying BK Polyomavirus

Abstract

We previously established an infection model for BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) in primary human renal proximal tubule epithelial (RPTE) cells. Use of these cells is limited by their inability to be passaged extensively. Here, we describe RPTE cells immortalized with human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), which can serve as a model system for acute or persistent BKPyV infection.We previously established an infection model for BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) in primary human renal proximal tubule epithelial (RPTE) cells. Use of these cells is limited by their inability to be passaged extensively. Here, we describe RPTE cells immortalized with human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), which can serve as a model system for acute or persistent BKPyV infection.